Evaluation of the rockfall potential of Kastamonu castle using 3-D analysis

Abstract

The Kastamonu Castle is one of the magnificent monuments of the Kastamonu province (Turkey) located on a steep sandstone hill with Eocene age. The surrounding settlement around the castle suffered from numerous rockfall events in the past. Rockfalls after an initial block toppling are controlled by a bedding plane and two joint sets existing in the sandstone. The rockfall potential along the entire castle perimeterwas evaluated bymeans of three-dimensional (3-D) rockfall analyses using the ROTOMAP software. Rockfall initiation wasmodelled along a detachment line situated just below the castle walls. The results indicate that the maximum run-out distances around the castle exceed the settlement boundary on the western, southern, and eastern sides. The northern part of the castle is less critical due to lower slope gradient. In order to protect the settlement from falling blocks, vital remedial measures are suggested. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.