Integrated Approaches to Rockfall Assessment: Bridging Geology and Engineering Perspectives
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Earth Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 20

Special Issue Editors
Interests: rockfall modelling; rock slope stability
Interests: geohazards; slope failures; liquefaction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The Special Issue aims to explore the common ground between geological and engineering approaches in rockfall assessment. Rockfall is a dynamic and complex natural phenomenon driven by geological, geomorphological, and mechanical factors. As one of the most common geohazards in mountainous regions, rockfalls are increasingly affected by climate change, resulting in more frequent and intense events.
This Special Issue will cover advancements in: (a) susceptibility, hazard, and risk frameworks incorporating temporal and spatial uncertainties; (b) identification and evaluation of triggering mechanisms, such as precipitation, earthquakes, and climate change effects; (c) trajectory modelling—from the mechanical response at impact to sophisticated physical-based engines; (d) mitigation technologies, such as rockfall barriers and early-warning systems; and (e) construction techniques and design practices.
Furthermore, the issue will highlight the role of recent technologies, such as remote sensing, LiDAR, UAV, advanced simulation methods, and AI approaches, in improving data acquisition and analysis.
An integrated approach between geologists and engineers is essential for understanding, predicting, analyzing, mitigating, and managing rockfall hazards. This Special Issue aims to foster this dialogue, enhancing knowledge to improve our ability to protect against rockfalls and form safer infrastructures and communities.
Dr. Pavlos Asteriou
Dr. George Papathanassiou
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- rockfall hazard assessment
- susceptibility and risk modelling
- trajectory simulation
- rockfall mitigation measures
- remote sensing
- AI applications
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