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Preventing and analysis of falling rocks: A case of Sarica village (Gürün, Turkey)

  • Research Articles
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Journal of the Geological Society of India

Abstract

Rock fall is a common natural hazard causing significant damage to infrastructure and loss of life and property. This paper describes selection of prevention method, construction processes and the results of a rockfall hazard assessment for the village of Sarica (Gürün region, Turkey) based on an engineering-geological model. The study area is located on the lower parts of an area with very steep cliffs and 40-500 slopes with fractured sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Detailed studies have been conducted in the region to prevent the risk of any rockfalls. Maps and charts are prepared including the rock blocks that are likely to fall and the related housing area under the risk. It was found that block sizes reached 3 m3. Rockfall analyses were performed along the selected profiles using the Rocfall V.5.0 software. Kinetic energy, bounce height, horizontal location of rock end-points and velocity of the rocks along each section were evaluated separately for each profile. This data was used to select design and construction of rockfall preventing system. In this study professional type rock fall barrier (catchment fence) was used. This method was chosen because it was cheaper, more practical and reliable than others.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Karabuk University, Karabük, 78050, Turkey

    Ali Polat, Inan Keskin & Irfan Denizli

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  1. Ali Polat
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  2. Inan Keskin
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  3. Irfan Denizli
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Correspondence to Inan Keskin.

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Polat, A., Keskin, I. & Denizli, I. Preventing and analysis of falling rocks: A case of Sarica village (Gürün, Turkey). J Geol Soc India 88, 763–772 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-016-0544-0

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