We combine field expertise and simulation modelling techniques. The used method depends on the specific project requirements, which could be in the area of:

Rockfall and Avalanche Simulation

We develop simulation models (e.g. RockyFor; see animation, 600 kB) that produce realistic trajectories, velocities and energies of falling rocks and avalanches. These models can be used on forested and non-forested slopes and are therefore very suitable for hazard assessment in different types of mountainous terrain. Our models can be used for different situations of data availability (scale of the analysis, resolution of input data) and if required, we take care of data aquisition and processing.

Protection Forest Assessment

We have been developing accurate methods to quantify the protective effect of forests against avalanches and rockfall. One example is RockFor^NET, which calculates the residual hazard at the bottom of a forested slope (percentage of rocks that surpass the forested part of a slope). In addition, we evaluate the efficacy of forests regarding flooding and erosion hazards in catchments.

Forest Restoration Plans and Silviculture