James glover - Global Risk Forum, GRF Davos
walter ammann - Global Risk Forum, GRF Davos

Modern software tools applied to design protection structures for natural hazards are becoming more sophisticated. In specific more attention is being paid to the evolving dynamics of natural hazards during their interaction with protection structures. It is no longer sufficient that protection structures are designed on statics alone. Rockfall barriers for example are being designed to use the surrounding terrain as decelerating elements to slow rockfall; in this regard their placement in terrain becomes a crucial design parameter. With such an integrative approach to the design of natural hazard protection structuresit requiresthat engineering tools, both in the field and numerical simulations, can easily interact with one another. Herein, we present examples of the natural hazard assessment and design steps involved in positioning and dimensioning effective protection solutions; be them physical barriers, land-use planning strategies, or (early) warning systems. We discuss some of the state of the art tools in the field assessment of natural hazards, the modelling of gravitational mass movements, such as rock-fall, debris flow, or snow avalanches, and in the structural design of protection structures

physical barriers, land-use planning strategies, effective protection solutions