The iconic Rock of Gibraltar stands near the junction of the continents of Europe and Africa, and close to the boundary of the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. The Rock is dominated by Jurassic Limestone Cliffs that extend up to 400m above sea level. The Main Ridge forms the spine of the Rock splitting it asymmetrically east to west with sheer cliffs on the eastside and more moderate cliffs on the west side. Physiologically, the Rock provides many rock fall hazards for the 30,000 community as well as posing many challlenges for those responsible for providing rock fall protection. Several case studies are provided to demonstrate the methodologies that have been used to identify rock fall hazards. Increasingly, emphasis is placed on data collection without needing physical roped access inspection of high unstable cliff faces. This includes the utilisation of LiDAR and photogrammetric techniques from land based and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to create 3-D models of the cliff faces for subsequent interrogation in ground modelling, rock fall modelling and discontinuity analysis computer programs. Examples of rock fall protection measures will be demonstrated including Rock Fall Canopies, Rock Slide Protection Embankment and High Capacity Catch Fences.
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