Rockfalls are frequent instability processes in road cuts, open pit mines and quarries, steep slopes and cliffs (Cruden & Varnes, 1996). Quite often the detached rock masses become fragmented after the first impacts on the ground. Knowing the size and trajectory of the blocks resulting from the fragmentation is critical in determining the impact energies on the exposed elements and protection structures (Jaboyedoff et al. 2005; Corominas et al. 2012). In this work we present the results of two real scale rock fall tests carried out as part of the activities of the research project Rockrisk (rockrisk.upc.edu/en). The aim of the project is to quantify the risk induced by rockfalls, improving the tools to prevent, to protect and to mitigate its effects. (680,1Kb) (Restricted access)   Request copy