To explore the influence of rock shape on rolling distance and effectively mitigate rockfall hazards, the following research was conducted. Factors influencing the rolling distance of rocks were determined through model experiments, and the mechanics of rolling resistance were analyzed. The coefficient RF, reflecting the ease of rock rolling, and the shape parameter ψ, quantifying the rolling distance, were proposed. By incorporating the shape parameter into kinematic equations, formulas for calculating the rolling distance of rocks with varying shapes on diverse ground characteristics were derived. These formulas underwent validation using data from model experiments, revealing minimal disparities between the experimental and calculated values. Irregularities on the rolling surface, commonly referred to as “steps” due to the differences in surface hardness among various materials, as well as deviations and shifts in the rolling axis during rock movement, were identified as the primary factors influencing rolling distance and contributing to calculation errors. Combining these deviations for rocks of distinct shapes with theoretical formulas enabled the determination of the range of influence of rock rolling at various velocities, offering valuable insights for assessing areas prone to rockfall hazards.

In order to study the influence of falling rock shapes on their rolling characteristics and to determine the optimization of falling rock protection design, a series of research experiments were conducted. Model experiments were designed to explore the rolling characteristics of rockfalls with different shapes. Based on the experimental results, it was found that the slenderness ratio, center of gravity, and rotational inertia of the rockfalls can affect their rolling characteristics, leading to swaying and changing the rolling axis during the rolling process, thereby affecting their rolling speed. Building upon these findings, an analysis of the formation mechanism of rolling resistance was conducted. It was determined that the primary cause of energy loss was the rolling resistance arm formed with the rolling surface during rockfall motion. A shape parameter was proposed to quantify the rolling resistance. These parameters were incorporated into a kinematic formula that considered the influence of rockfall shape, slope, and slope roughness on the rolling speed. Combined with the offset and initial position of the rockfall, the formula could be used to calculate the rolling speed and impact energy in the rolling region at any position in the region. The calculation formula was validated using model experimental data, and the results showed that the error between the experimental and calculated values was small. The error was corrected based on the experimental data. After on-site testing and verification, it could provide reference for the management of rockfall disasters.

In order to study the influence of falling rock shape on its rolling characteristics and realize the optimization of falling rock protection design, the following research was carried out. Design model experiments to explore the rolling characteristics of different shapes of rockfalls. Based on the experimental results, it was found that the slenderness ratio, center of gravity, and rotational inertia of the rockfalls can affect their rolling characteristics, leading to swaying and changing the rolling axis during the rolling process, thereby affecting their rolling speed. On this basis, the formation mechanism of rolling resistance is analyzed, and the main cause of energy loss is the rolling resistance arm formed with the rolling surface during rockfall rolling, and a shape parameter to quantify the rolling resistance is proposed. The parameters are substituted into the kinematic formula, in which the influence of the rockfall shape, slope and slope roughness on the rolling speed is considered. Combined with the offset and initial position of the rockfall, the formula can be used to calculate the rolling speed and impact energy in the rolling region and any position in the region. The calculation formula was validated using model experimental data, and the results showed that the error between the experimental and calculated values was small. The error was corrected based on the experimental data. After on-site testing and verification, it can provide reference for the management of rockfall disasters.