Securing and monitoring of tourist routes The case of Chianocco Gorge

The allure of mountainous regions for tourism is undeniable, yet the scenic splendour and natural abundance come hand in hand with geological hazards, such as landslides, posing threats to the safety of tourist routes. Safeguarding these routes is imperative for maintaining the usability of mountain areas and ensuring safe and sustainable tourism. The thesis aims to identify solutions that secure tourist routes while preserving the visual integrity of the landscape. This thesis focuses on the Chianocco Gorge, nestled within a Natural Reserve near Turin, a coveted destination for outdoor enthusiasts, temporarily closed since March 2020 due to identified boulder movements. The exploration begins by understanding the natural dynamics of gorges formation and types of rock failure in the first chapter. The second one delves into the Chianocco Gorge case, framing its geography, geology, and geomorphology, followed by an analysis of associated risks and methods for calculating rockfall volume. The third chapter explores risk management and mitigation in landslide-prone areas, detailing interventions proposed for Chianocco. The fourth chapter emphasizes the significance of monitoring and warning systems in preventing hazardous situations. Monitoring is clarified as a precautionary measure, linked to a “recurrence factor” of potential hazardous events.