Modernizing Rockfall Assessment

Using targeted remote sensing and other advanced survey techniques, combined with data-driven analysis, this pilot study will evaluate how well these approaches can identify meaningful changes in slope conditions and determine whether rockfall material reaches the roadway or is effectively contained (e.g., within ditches). The results will help Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) improve the consistency of slope evaluation and prioritization of mitigation efforts, supporting more efficient use of maintenance resources, improved safety, and reduced traffic disruptions. The study will also provide insight into how repeated observations can be used to track changes in slope condition and performance over time, supporting long-term planning and asset management.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $306,094.00
• Contract Numbers:

  10757

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Montana Department of Transportation

  2701 Prospect Avenue
  P.O. Box 201001
  Helena, MT  United States  59620-1001
• Managing Organizations:

  Montana Department of Transportation

  2701 Prospect Avenue
  P.O. Box 201001
  Helena, MT  United States  59620-1001
• Project Managers:

  Hawley, Emily

• Performing Organizations:

  Montana State University, Western Transportation Institute

  P.O. Box 174250
  Bozeman, MT  United States  59717
• Principal Investigators:

  Nazemi, Neda

  Khosravi, Mohammad

• Start Date: 20260501
• Expected Completion Date: 20280531
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: Research and Development
• Source Data: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/research/projects/sub_listing.aspx#category-filter:path=default|status-filter:path=default|sort:path~type~order=.theme~text~asc

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asset management; Hazard analysis; Hazard evaluation; Remote sensing; Rockfalls; Slope stability
• Geographic Terms: Montana
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01988659
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Montana Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 10757
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: May 1 2026 4:56PM