Rockfor.NET: the first tool for a rapid assessment of the rockfall hazard downstream of a protection forest

Abstract

There are presently no clear and precise rules for determining the protective function of forests against rockfall, taking into account dendrometric parameters, topographical characteristics of the site, as well as the size and maximum energy of rock projectiles. In order to provide a tool that meets theses requirements and that quantifies the protective capacity of a forest at the scale of a slope, we have developed Rockfor.NET (freely available at www.rockfor.net). This paper explains the underlying principles of this utility, as well as the calculation methods used. Furthermore it presents the case studies that served for its validation.