Research

Torrent and avalanche control structures are core elements with a central protective function against natural hazards in the Alps. In the event of failure, there is an increased risk to settlements and infrastructure. In the area of torrential processes, key structures are often designed so that, in the event of an incident, they retain the entrained bedload (sediment) and wildwood at the structure's location. However, once the retention volume has been used up, the protective function of the key structure is severely impaired or barely existent. For these reasons and because an increase in sediment input is expected due to climate change, the torrent and avalanche control authorities see a particular need for a standardized nationwide monitoring and warning system for key structures for torrent processes. The intention of our consortium (IBTP Koschuch, Almosys, IAN, ÖBB, WLV) is to develop and establish an automated in-situ monitoring and warning system for key torrent control structures. Integrated into an Internet of Things (IoT) scheme, the system should be able to provide information on the filling level of the connected protective structures at any time via user-friendly remote access and automatically issue a warning to decision-makers in the event of time-critical events. We are convinced that our consortium's synergy of scientific expertise and technical sophistication will provide a future-proof answer to the specific protection goals.

Analysing and assessing existing avalanche-relevant geocommunicative implementations. This process aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current implementations in order to gain valuable insights for further development. The objectives in the areas of geo-communication, usability, geodata basis and practical relevance are narrowed down and defined. The results of the evaluation form the basis for the design of optimised methods and workflows as part of an overall project yet to be defined.

This project includes a pilot study with several sensors developed in preliminary projects using UAV/UAS for contactless and non-contact recording of snow data. This method allows interference-free measurement of temperature, humidity, pressure and movement in avalanche slopes. The sensors are deployed in a test field in open terrain using UAV/UAS. A sensor network consisting of several sensor measurement boxes will be set up at targeted test locations. Regular data collection takes place via a mobile base station which is stationary or mobile on the UAV. Furthermore, a concept is being developed as to how avalanche commissions can use the data to assess local avalanche slopes.