IMPROVING SAFETY FOR PEOPLE AND PROPERTY WITH ROCKFALL PROTECTION

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Rockfalls can be a major hazard to people and surrounding infrastructure and are difficult to contain and control. Mitigating such a risk should a rockfall adversely impact an area needs cost effective solutions such as rockfall barriers that intercept and arrest detached rocks and boulders.

Installation of Maccaferri Dynamic Rockfall Barriers (also known as catch fences) was essential to protect the properties at Patonga Creek, New South Wales (NSW). The rockfall barrier components were supplied in ‘kit form’ including panel mesh, posts, base plates, energy dissipating devices, cables, and clips. The 20m long, 110m long and 30m long rockfall barriers installed on the project have energy absorption capacities of 100kJ, 750kJ and 1000kJ respectively.

OUR SOLUTION

Based on the site inspection observations and the results of the rockfall analysis, rockfall preventive measures were recommended to provide protection for the dwellings located in the impact zone. Due to the potential high risk associated should a rockfall impact a dwelling, the design by Douglas Partners specified that the barrier would need to capture 100% of the potential rockfalls. Limitations on area accessibility made maintenance of rockfall barriers very difficult and this had to be given careful consideration in the design phase.

Geofabrics provided the specialist contractor, Ground Stabilisation Systems, technical assistance in selecting barrier heights and layout configurations. Geofabrics also provided comprehensive installation manuals allowing the contractor to achieve rapid and safe installation in challenging terrain and under extreme weather conditions.

PRODUCT USED

Maccaferri® Dynamic Rockfall Barriers Wire Mesh

• Positioned to intercept and stop falling rocks and boulders on steep slopes
• Easily transported, ready-for-use ‘kit’ arrangement of steel cables, connectors and anchors that are lightweight for easy and quick installation, saving time on site
• Premium range best known for residual height, elongation, and durability
• Designed to deflect under load and absorb energy, with a range of certified fences available from 35kJ to 9000kJ
• Features unique energy dissipating devices (elements which are able to dissipate energy) that allow for controlled displacement when activated
• Full scale crash tested and certified in accordance with the European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA) assessment documents EAD 340089-00-0106 and EAD340059-00-0106