Rockfall protection: Which solutions do exist?

Rock falls can be caused by multiple factors, such as heavy rainfall, erosion or increasing urbanisation and pose a significant risk to both infrastructure and people. Given this reality, the need to incorporate rockfall protection systems has become essential. Over the years, various solutions have been developed and today we apply them to provide effective protection adapted to the particularities of each terrain.

Rockfalls can cause devastating damage, not only to infrastructure such as roads, bridges and buildings, but also to human life. Therefore, the implementation of landslide protection systems is essential to mitigate and/or prevent these risks. Rockfall protection is not limited to the installation of physical barriers, it requires an intensive analysis of the terrain and the selection of solutions that are adapted to the specific site conditions. Thanks to the experience and expertise of our technical team, we offer specific and efficient protection solutions for each specific situation.

Double-twist mesh

These meshes, known for their versatility, are indispensable in the prevention of landslides and the protection of infrastructures. They are placed on the surface of slopes and act by retaining or directing small rocks whose size is larger than the mesh’s passage and protect the environment from the reach of these blocks.

• Mesh solutions: There are several mesh systems, such as double-twist meshes with counterweights, which direct the material to the base of the slope, or we also find the double-twist mesh traps, especially used in areas with a significant slope height.
• Benefits: It is relatively quick to install and its structure provides exceptional flexibility, allowing the mesh to adapt to uneven terrain.

Dynamic Rockfall Barriers

Dynamic rockfall barriers are systems designed to absorb the energy of moving rocks. They are composed by a membrane that deforms upon impact, dissipating the kinetic energy of the rocks and preventing them from passing through the barrier.

• Applications: They are especially useful in areas where rock falls are frequent and of large magnitude. These systems are capable of stopping rocks of various sizes and speeds, providing safe protection in high risk areas.
• Installation: With the study of the possible fall trajectories of the elements, we analyse the most appropriate points to install the barriers. Their dimensions are also calculated taking into account the possible impacts they will withstand, in order to achieve the optimum point of resistance.

Static rockfall barriers

Static rockfall barriers are rigid structures that are implemented as an interposition in the path of small landslides and isolate the danger zone. Unlike dynamic barriers, they do not deform on impact and are therefore designed to contain small but continuous rockfalls.

• Materials: These systems are composed of a steel structure, cable and double-twist mesh or cable mesh, or a combination of both, depending on the required load capacities.

Attenuator Barriers

The attenuator systems consist of a barrier at the top that intercepts the falling rock and the curtain that directs it to the intended receiving area. This is a rock guidance curtain that provides highly efficient protection.

• Applications: Attenuator systems are used on slopes where there is space below the barrier, where rocks can be safely stopped and picked up.
• Advantages: These systems combine the interception structure of a dynamic barrier with the advantages of reduced maintenance of liner meshes.