RocFall Analysis: The Distance and Size of Rock Fall from Brighton to Eastbourne

A study was performed along 30 km distance of the coast of South England to estimate the size of falling blocks and their extent using RocFall and other computer programmes. In addition to computer analysis, observational analysis was used to identify many factors affecting the size and the end point of falling rocks. The analysis was based along the coastal Chalk cliffs from Brighton to Eastbourne. It involved measurements of dip and dip direction, classification and characteristics of rocks as well as noting the history of previous rock fall in relation to the extent and size. Nine areas were examined and reported according to their location except for Brighton which was divided according to the cliff protection methods used. For each area a cliff profile was drawn and information about its height, cliff sloping angle, geological formations, and type of cliff protection used, if any, were listed. Types of common failures were also identified from observation during site reconnaissance and from performed failure analysis using Dips programme. As a result, falling block size and rocks end point, to the worst case, could be estimated and judgment about the efficiency of protection methods used in protected areas has been made.