Rockfall susceptibility along the regional road network of Aosta Valley Region (northwestern Italy)

Rockfalls are a major hazard in mountain areas. They can endanger human settlements and infrastructures, and, every year, cause multiple damage and victims. An investigation of those areas more susceptible to rockfall represents a key approach to improve the analysis and management of rockfall impact and consequences. The proposed procedure involves the study of occurred rockfall databases and thematic maps to compute a susceptibility map, by the employment of Analytical Hierarchic Process. The computation is focused on the road network of Aosta Valley Region (northwestern Italy) and its proximity. The model results highlight the importance of morphometric factors on the investigated phenomena. The outcomes of the analysis were also validated by comparing rockfall databases with the receiver operating characteristic curve, in order to confirm their reliability. The results of the procedure are a starting point for a detailed planning action in order to manage the hazard related to these phenomena.

Automated summary

Studying the geographical factors and data of rockfall-prone areas helps improve the analysis and management of rockfall, with an emphasis on the importance of morphometric factors. The study involves computing susceptibility maps and validating their reliability, providing important insights for further managing these natural hazards.