In all alpine regions around the Earth avalanches occur and cause death and destruction. Nowadays a broad range of technical measures (avalanche barriers, artificial triggering, monitoring and warning systems) are available to protect the alpine environment, its inhabitants and its infrastructure. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of technical avalanche protection, including analysis, evaluation and risk assessment. It describes in detail the design, construction and maintenance of protection structures as well as temporary technical measures. It addresses basic questions for planners, engineers, project developers, mountain communities and authorities. The contributors to the handbook are European and American experts in avalanche protection. Such, an overview of the global importance of avalanche protection technology is given and up-to-date knowledge transfer is assured. Lawinenschutz ; Bautechnik; Lawine ; Schutzeinrichtung, Sicherheitseinrichtung Development of avalanches and avalanche protection: an historic overview; Avalanches: formation and effects; Basics and models for avalanche dynamics and effects; Analysis and evaluation and representation of avalanche risks; Planning of permanent avalanche protection measures; Protection systems and construction types; Design of permanent avalanche protection; Execution and maintenance management; Protection of buildings; Temporary avalanche protection and operation; Avalanche monitoring and event documentation; Summary, Outlook; References
