The fragmentation process of the falling blocks is a key aspect in the study and the simulation of rockfall phenomenon. The single blocs can generate fragments, deviating their trajectory, modifying their energy. The present research describes an application of a fractal fragmentation model on a real study case and identifies the main issues that can rise. A multi-objective procedure to define model parameters...

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is related to human health and well-being since people spend most of their working and free time in interior spaces. As stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), once complying with normative Occupational Safety and Health (OS&H) limits, more elevated standards of air quality both in productive and non-industrial workplaces should be guaranteed. In this case study –...

The large use of nanomaterials in several industrial processes drove the attention toward the potential health issues associated to their diffusion in the environment. However, since nanomaterials are characterized by a polidisperse particle size distribution, the human health risk induced by a nanoparticle (NP) contamination cannot be assessed through the ASTM procedure commonly used for chemicals. Toxicity...

The inflow into aquifers of transition metals leached from muck disposed in quarries is a process that requires a detailed analysis in the framework of the environmental impact studies of dump sites. It is important to thoroughly examine the risks of potential contamination of pre-existing groundwater wells and, more in general, to assess the risk of qualitative deterioration of nearby shallow aquifers....

Rockfall net fences are multicomponent protection devices for mitigating rockfall hazard. As passive measures, they are used to intercept and stop rock blocks propagation after their detachment from a cliff or a slope. During their design working life, net fences subjected to ageing phenomena, corrosion and impact loads, causing their efficiency loss or even their effectiveness. A multi-matricial procedure...

The adoption of reinforced embankments for rockfall and landslide protection purposes is an effective intervention for the reduction of risk and damages to civil facilities. These earth structures are manufactured with layers of compacted soil alternated with geosynthetics (e.g. geogrids and geotextiles) that are anchored to the outer quarterdeck frame or wrapped around it. This paper discusses the results...