Principles of the tool Rockfor.net for quantifying the rockfall hazard below a protection forest

Abstract

There are presently no clear rules for determining optimal rockfall protection forests, taking into account forest and site characteristics as well as the size and energy of the falling rock. To provide a tool that meets these requirements and quantifies the protective capacity, we have developed Rockfor.net (www.rockfor.net). This paper explains the underlying principles as well as the calculation methods used. Furthermore, it presents case studies which provide validation.