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A Geotechnical Investigation of the 2013 Fatal Rockfall in Rockville, Utah

Jacklitch, Carl Jonathan
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6857-5228
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1464978379

Abstract Details

2016, MS, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Earth Sciences.
In December, 2013, a rockfall occurred in the town of Rockville, Utah, where an estimated 2700 tons (2450 tonnes) of rock detached from a 400 ft (122 m) slope and fell on a house, resulting in two fatalities. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the hazard potential of the east-west trending, south-facing, slope throughout the town to identify the sections that pose the highest hazard potential of causing injury or property damage and to identify the modes of slope failure in order to suggest potential remedial measures. The hazard potential was assessed through detailed field and laboratory investigations of four sites along the slope. Field investigations included mapping discontinuities, establishing site stratigraphy, and measuring slope geometry. Laboratory investigations included determining the dry density, slake durability index, and friction angle of rock samples. A stereonet analysis, using the DIPS software, determined the principle joint sets for use in the kinematic analysis. The maximum rollout distances for various block sizes were determined for each of the study sites, using the RocFall software. Results of the kinematic analysis and field observations indicate that wedge, plane, and toppling failures are possible within the Shinarump Conglomerate member of the Chinle Formation and the Upper Red member of the Moenkopi Formation along the entire slope. Based on the results of kinematic analysis, frequency of freeze-thaw cycles during the winter months, role of differential weathering in promoting slope failures, slope height, slope angle, and the proximity to the slope of the homes throughout the town, a rockfall hazard map was generated to demonstrate that the western portion of the town faces the highest hazard from potential rockfalls. Rollout distances, determined from rockfall simulations, were used to determine the maximum extent of the hazard zone. The current hazard map, developed by the Utah Geological Survey, tends to be more conservative than the hazard map generated from this study. The most effective remedial measure, in terms of cost and feasibility, is avoiding building close to hazardous slopes. Other possible remedial measures may include rock bolts for the larger rock blocks along with a drapery mesh on the slopes, or the extremely careful removal of loose rock blocks along with a drapery mesh to retain smaller rock blocks. If no actions are taken to remediate the slope, the potential for large rockfalls, causing damage and possible injury or fatality, will continue to exist.
Abdul Shakoor, Dr. (Advisor)
Daniel Holm, Dr. (Committee Member)
David Hacker, Dr. (Committee Member)
204 p.
Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Environmental Geology; Geological; Geology
rockfall; fatal rockfall; rockville; rockville utah; geotechnical; geotechnical investigation; 2013 rockfall; rockfall thesis; carl jacklitch; rockfall hazard map; rockfall hazard; kent state university thesis; rockfall hazard

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Jacklitch, C. J. (2016). A Geotechnical Investigation of the 2013 Fatal Rockfall in Rockville, Utah [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1464978379

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Jacklitch, Carl. A Geotechnical Investigation of the 2013 Fatal Rockfall in Rockville, Utah. 2016. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1464978379.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Jacklitch, Carl. "A Geotechnical Investigation of the 2013 Fatal Rockfall in Rockville, Utah." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1464978379

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1464978379
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This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.