Monitoring of torrential key barriers

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.