The Application of Gpr To The Estimation of Rock Fall Hazard To Cultural Heritage
Abstract
The old town of Salzburg (Austria) belongs to the world cultural heritage. Several historic buildings are situated at the toe of steep rock walls and are threatened by con- siderable hazard of rock fall. The rock wall of the "Mönchsberg" (consisting of con- glomerate) in the old town of Salzburg was investigated by GPR (ground penetrating radar) along 39 profiles, covering an area of 3500m2, in order to detect discontinuities relevant for the development of rock falls. The topography of the rock wall was accu- rately mapped by photogrammetric methods. In fact a coherent discontinuity with an extent of about 350m2 was found. This discontinuity was correlated with a bulge of the rock wall. The results of repeated measurements in this area after one and a half year were of essential significance. It could be shown that no substantial variation in the extent of the discontinuity occurred. Some variation was detected in the dielec- tric contrast, probably due to seasonal variation of moisture. Altogether the results demonstrate GPR is an appropriate method for supervising rock walls, especially in urban environments.
- Publication:
-
EGS General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002EGSGA..27.5832R