Analysis of rockfall hazard and protective measures of Wuligou Valley in Sichuan Province

In response to the problem of a large amount of highly weathered exposed bedrock on the slopes on both sides of Wuligou Valley in Luding County, Sichuan Province, which poses a potential rockfall risk, this study assessed the hazard of possible rockfall events in Wuligou Valley and explored protective measures suitable for the area.The research employed a combination of field surveys, UAV aerial surveys, and numerical simulations to obtain a 3D geological model of the slopes on both sides of the valley.The rockfall trajectories and impact ranges of unstable rock masses were analyzed, and the protective effectiveness of protective walls of different heights were evaluated.The results indicated that dangerous rocks were widely distributed in the study area, posing a high risk of rockfall.The 3D model generated by UAV aerial surveys and the numerical simulation results revealed that rockfalls had a high probability of reaching the building area at the bottom of valley.Both sides of the study area were classified as high-risk zones with the potential for rockfall.A rationally designed protective wall height can significantly reduce the rockfall risk, and when the dynamic protective wall height reaches 7 m, it can intercept approximately 90% of the falling rocks.The research findings can provide data support for regional disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.