ROTOMAP

Offers a three-dimensional model for rockfall analysis and the design of protection measures.

This programme contains all the capabilities and is an extension of the Isomap package.

It uses a statistical approach that simulates a large number of rockfalls and identifies the optimal areas for intervention through analysis of the distribution of the average and maximum kinetic energies.

The programme requires a topographical base and a geomorphological survey in order to identify the detachment areas of the blocks, the rock's outcrops and the different types of cover.

The digital terrain model can be obtained from an arbitrary distribution of points (X,Y,Z) that the programme will convert into a regular grid, or by assigning the elevation values directly to the nodes of the square grid used in the model.

It's also possible to use existing digital models of the ground surface.

Through an initial phase of back-analysis the geomechanical parameters are determined that give the best fit between the positions where blocks stop under real conditions and those obtained through simulation.

Thus kinetic energy distribution is calculated permitting both the positioning and design of restraining nets or walls.

In this way the effectiveness of the project can be gauged.

The programme can generate print-outs of topography, rockfall trajectories, energies, frequencies of stop points and vertical sections following each simulated fall.