Although many previous studies have proposed methods for estimating snowmelt based on the heat balance method using generally observed weather data, few studies have proposed method for estimating the hourly snowmelt and applied for analyzing groundwater level fluctuation in a landslide site. This study developed a model for calculating the hourly snowmelt based on the heat balance method using the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) observation data alone and the hourly meltwater and/or rainwater (MR). We applied the model to snow-covered region and analyzed the hourly groundwater level fluctuation in a landslide site. The results suggested that MR and groundwater level fluctuation can successfully be reproduced.

  In this study, the behavior of diamond-shaped wire net, which is a main component of the blocking surface of a rockfall protection fence, was investigated in terms of wire diameter, material and shape. Three kinds of experiments, in-plane static test, out-of-plane static test and out-of-plane dynamic test, were conducted to evaluate the behavior. From the experimental results, the characteristics of the different materials and shapes were clarified.

  About 70％ of Japan's land area is mountainous, and rockfall protection fences have been constructed to protect roads and houses since the period of rapid economic growth. The total length of conventional rockfall protection fences, which are composed of rhombic wire mesh, wire rope and H-shaped steel posts, is enormous, and it is necessary to make effective use of the existing stock to strengthen and extend their service life. In this study, the behavior of the conventional rockfall protection fence was investigated by full-scale experiments, and the reinforcement method was verified and its effectiveness was clarified.