Innovative approach for the rock mass characterization aimed at the design of protection works

This thesis investigates key research questions aimed at enhancing the understanding and practical application of rock mass characterization in rockfall scenarios and dimension stone quarrying. It explores whether Markland’s kinematic analysis can be improved for irregular slopes without sacrificing efficiency, whether the IBSD method can effectively describe block sizes in both contexts, how variability in block size can be utilized, and how probabilistic methods can inform rockfall mitigation design within traditional or alternative frameworks. The thesis emphasizes that features such as block shape and size are interdependent and should be analysed and considered together. Rock masses, composed of a rock matrix and intersecting discontinuities, exhibit stability largely governed by the discontinuity network rather than the matrix itself. Critical discontinuity features—orientation and spacing—are highlighted as the most quantitatively defined and central to assessing rock mass behavior. Kinematic analysis, unique to rock stability assessments, evaluates whether blocks are geometrically free to move based on these features. Two application domains are examined: rockfall characterization, where understanding potentially unstable blocks can improve hazard prediction and mitigation, and dimension stone quarrying, where larger intact blocks directly impact safety, yield, and economic efficiency. The work underscores that a quantitative, geometry-centered approach to rock mass analysis enables better engineering decisions and more informed designs. Ultimately, the thesis advocates for leveraging the geometric data inherent in rock masses to extract critical insights and apply them in both hazard mitigation and resource extraction.