Rockfall Hazard Rating System(s) in Saudi Arabia – A Review

Abstract

Slope instability along highways in mountainous areas is not only a major hazard for lives and passing vehicles but also may hinder traffic for long period and thus create significant economic loss. The most common type of slope instability failures in such areas is rockfalls. Many qualitative rockfall hazard rating systems (RHRSs) have been developed across the world. However, the Middle East almost lacks to such systems. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, which has the largest economy in the region, only one system of rockfall hazard rating system (RHRS-SA) has been developed up to now. This paper aimed to critically review this system. Some drawbacks were found in the RHRS-SA. However, the main disadvantage was that the final rating score of risk is not consistent with risk definition. In sum, the remarkable findings of this review can be accounted either for any future modifications for the RHRS-SA or to develop a new rockfall hazard rating system but for a specific area(s) in Saudi Arabia.