natural hazard assessment

Especially in the alpine region, mudflows can be triggered by heavy precipitation events and lead to considerable economic damage and even endanger human lives. Due to the enormous erosive force of the water, too much material is transported downstream and deposited again in narrow passages or debris jams. Especially torrents offer the potential for debris flows due to sometimes very large catchment areas and abundant sediment in the inflow. However, debris flows can also form locally due to pore water overpressure in unconsolidated rock slopes and thus pose a risk to settlement areas.

Damage is caused by erosion when, for example, roads or foundations are undercut, or by clogging when debris deposits obstruct and damage bridges, roads, or culverts. To prevent this, most torrents are monitored and managed by the WLV (Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauungen, www.die-wildbach.at).

Settlements due to geological conditions can also cause damage to infrastructure.

Our office acts in a supportive capacity during the initial assessment of the hazard potential of torrents, as well as during the planning and execution of torrent control structures.
Our services include:

• Site survey and initial assessment
• Gathering and preparation of basic maps
• Planning and execution supervision of protection structures

By continuous training of our employees we try to be always on the latest state of technology.