ROCKFALL AND

SLOPE STABILISATION
01
GEOBRUGG

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BASIC MATERIAL FOR
GEOBRUGG
Steel wire with very high tensile strength

Geobrugg Group 3 08.05.2019

WHAT IS HIGH-TENSILE STEEL?
Steel above 1000 [MPa] High tensile steel
min. 1770 [MPa]
tensile strength

Offers superior strength

to weight ratio

Stress
Can be pre-tensioned
using high loads
Mild steel < 500 [MPa]
Transfer forces much
faster

Strain (deformation)

Geobrugg Group 4 08.05.2019

02
ROCKFALL PHENOMENON
AND MITIGATION

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GENERAL PROBLEM DESCRIPTION

Triggering effects:

Gravity (!)
Climate changes
Water influence
Seismic event
Geometry changes
Weathering / erosion
Nature (roots)

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WHEN ROCKFALL BECOMES
A PROBLEM
When it interferes with any infrastructure or value.
DESIGN AND
ROCKFALL SIMULATION Simulations
Barrier Dimensioning Simulations

Basis for any proper Design is a detailed

and thorough Site Investigation!!!

Input:
• slope cross section
• surface properties
• design boulder
• location of barrier

Output:
• trajectories
• impact energy at barrier location
• bounce height at barrier location
• statistics
 ROCKFALL CHARACTERISTICS

Decisive factor - trajectory

Triggering zone

Travelling zone
(trajectory)

Run out /
catchment
zone

Trajectory depends on: slope geometry, geology, rock size and shape.

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Example printouts from: Rockfall 6.1 and RAMMS software (by WSL/SLF).
2D ROCKFALL SIMULATIONS
3D ROCKFALL SIMULATIONS
ROCKFALL PROTECTION -
SYSTEMS
BARRIER ATTENUATOR DRAPE STABILIZATION
STOP ATTENUATE GUIDE KEEP

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03
DYNAMIC ROCKFALL BARRIERS

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WORK - THE EFFECT OF
DISPLACEMENT

Force [kN] W = FD… when D is small, F is large

Displacement [m]

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ROCKFALL BARRIERS
HOW DO THEY WORK ?
Time makes a difference… W = F * D !!
20 tons block falling from 43 [m] equates to
8000 [kJ]

of energy. The RXE-8000 barrier decelerates

the block in:
8.5 [m]

Hence within 0.5 [sec] the following force

has to be dissipated:
190 tons !

A big challenge to dissipate such a high force within 0.5 [sec] !

ROCKFALL BARRIERS
HOW DO THEY WORK ?
To stop
100 [kJ]
of kinetic energy in a distance of
0.5 [m]

the following force is expected:

∗ ∗
= = ≅
.

Structure has to bear over 40 tons!

Deflection capability is Important!

WORK - THE EFFECT OF
DISPLACEMENT Performance unknown!
no 1:1 field testing

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GEOBRUGG Rockfall Barriers Testing

• Performance known because

of real field testing
according to Swiss
guidelines
• Certificate for type tested
barriers by the Federal
Office for the Environment
(FOEN)
• Reliability!!!
GBE / RXE ROCKFALL
BARRIERS
2 different guidelines, 2 different products

During vertical tests, the following can be

observed:

support ropes – up to 11%

higher forces
46-53% more brake elements
deformation
14% smaller after impact
residual height
8% more energy being
dissipated

Criteria EOTA Guideline BAFU Guideline

Inclination of fall 0 to 90 degree 90 degree (vertical drop)

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GBE / RXE barriers 08.05.2019

ABSORBED ENERGY

EOTA Guideline BAFU Guideline

Horizontally absorbed Vertically absorbed

energy : 1’000 kJ energy: 1’220 kJ

Brake distance = 7 m
Brake distance = 7 m

20

GBE / RXE barriers 08.05.2019

EOTA GUIDELINE FOR ROCKFALL
BARRIERS

Initial type testing

1:1 full-scale test with at least 25 m/s
No ground contact allowed for all tests
Energy classes 0-8 (100 kJ to >4500 kJ)
SEL: Service Energy Level (2 x 33%)
No maintenance in between the two SEL tests
Residual height after the first SEL test of at least 70%
MEL: Maximum Energy Level (100%)
Residual height: Category A (>50%), B (>30%) or C (none!)
ROCKFALL TEST SITE IN SWITZERLAND (WSL)
TEST 10,000 KJ BARRIER
ROCKFALL PROTECTION
BARRIERS

Full range of applications

From 100 kJ – 10,000 kJ

(164kg – 25,000kg @
25m/s)

Tested and approved to

relevant guidelines
(BAFU & EOTA)

24 8/05/2019
WHAT FORMS THE STRUCTURE ?

GBE / RXE barriers 25 08.05.2019

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

General scheme of rockfall barriers

(example of barriers for 1000 kJ, GBE-line and RXE-line)

GBE

RXE

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GBE / RXE barriers 08.05.2019

GBE / RXE ROCKFALL
BARRIERS
Available foundations

General scheme of foundations - example of barriers for 1000 [kJ].

GBE / RXE barriers 27 08.05.2019

GBE-R ROCKFALL BARRIERS

Available foundations – systems without upslope ropes

Systems without upslope ropes are available for energies up to 1000 [kJ].

GBE / RXE barriers 28 08.05.2019

GBE / RXE ROCKFALL
BARRIERS
Examples of 1000 [kJ] barriers

GBE RXE

Two different lines of barriers.

Two different requirements concerning performance.
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GBE / RXE barriers 08.05.2019

MESH / NET
PRE-ASSEMBLY
Rapid barrier erecting and minimal on-site handling

Due to very low mesh / net weight it comes on site already pre-assembled, so
the installation becomes intuitive and very fast (“curtain opening”).

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Delivery of mesh as package, pre-assembled on posts
Support ropes to be fed through mesh, then mesh opened
GBE series: 500 - 1000 kJ Barrier

One anchor base plate possible due to low forces

Post and base plate attachments with shackles
BENEFIT #3 – LOW ANCHOR
FORCES
Shorter anchoring, lower costs of material and installation

Barrier Rope anchors Base plate anchoring

1 x GEWI
1 70 [kN] 1 NG28
1 x GEWI
GBE-500A NG20
2
130 [kN] Normal force
2 in anchor:
40 [kN]

1 1 2 x GEWI
NG32

GBE-3000A 2 2 290 [kN] Normal force

in anchor:
3 150 [kN]
100 [kN]

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GBE / RXE barriers 08.05.2019

BENEFIT – LOW WEIGHT

Easy and environmentally non obstructive installation

Transport to installation position on site does not require heavy machinery.

Light post profiles and fine mesh structures have low visibility on the slope
34

GBE / RXE barriers 08.05.2019

LOW WEIGHT

Easy installation and environmentally not obstructive

No heavy machinery required to bring material on site. Helicopter transport

less cost intensive thanks to savings in flight circles and aircraft type.

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PREASSEMBLY OF NET

Rapid barrier erecting, minimal handling required on site

Due to net preassembly, installation of the ROCCO® ring nets is fast and easy.
Mesh opens like a curtain.

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ROCKFALL BARRIERS BENEFITS

Highest energies stopped in the shortest distance

Benefits
1 Low weight, low visibility

2 Highest possible safety and lifetime (even after impact)

3 Allows positioning very close to the protected object

4 Lower installation costs, better visual acceptance

5 100% safety acc. to all existing guidelines. Lower post-impact maintenance costs

6 Huge installation cost reduction due to preassembled elements

7 Low maintenance costs. Once installed, protects generations

GBE / RXE barriers 37 08.05.2019

WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE –
AUSTRIA
National road B186, Ötztal

Technical description

Barrier type: GBE-500A, GBE-1000A

Barrier length: 30, 40 and 60 [m]

Barrier height: 3 and 4 [m]

Foundation: Rock

Extra measures: TECCO® SYSTEM

Geology: Gneiss, granites

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GBE / RXE barriers 08.05.2019

WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE –
AUSTRIA
National road B186, Ötztal

Execution: 2008

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GBE / RXE barriers 08.05.2019

WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE –
GERMANY
Access road L2303 – Castle Dornburg

Technical description
Barrier type RXE-5000

Barrier length: 123, 112 [m]

Barrier height: 5 [m]

Foundation: Rock

Extra measures GREENAX® erosion protection

Geology: Marls, limestones.

Castle access road had to be protected. Additionally, national road B88 lying below was
endangered.
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GBE / RXE barriers 08.05.2019

WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE –
GERMANY
Access road L2303 – Castle Dornburg

Execution: 2012 / 2013

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GBE / RXE barriers 08.05.2019

NSW – RXE 2000
MODELLING IN R&D AND FOR
SPECIFIC PROJECTS
Numerical modelling paired with real life experience

Simulations using the finite

elements analyzes software
ABAQUS
Based on 1:1 tests
(NOT on extrapolation)
Fully validated
CANOPIES - SPECIAL ROCKFALL
PROTECTION
Self cleaning rockfall canopy

Self cleaning up to 500 [kJ]

Multiple impact capable

(High Tensile Steel)
Tested as one field barrier - any
length is available
Economical, very effective
compared to concrete galleries

Technology fully tested in the field. Always adjusted to local conditions using finite
elements simulations.

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CANOPIES - SPECIAL ROCKFALL
SOLUTIONS
Self cleaning rockfall roofing

Tunnel de Pontis, Switzerland

Technology fully tested in the field. Always adjusted to local conditions using
finite elements simulations.

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04
ROCKFALL DRAPE SYSTEMS

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PASSIVE SLOPE STABILISATION
 Drape or Curtain (rockfall netting)
 Mesh is fixed at the top with anchors
 Rolled down over the slope
 Controls Rockfall
PRINCIPAL FUNCTION
DRAPE MESH DESIGN APPROACH

Design block size determines the mesh type – mesh

type selection based on the dynamic impact testing
(dynamic capacity of the mesh), emperical database,
experiance

Based on the impact energies the forces to be transfered

to the top anchorage can be calculated and top rope,
anchors and anchor spacing can be calculated
(mesh/system limits based on the testing shown in the
previous slide)
TESTING FOR DESIGN CONCEPT
TESTING IMPACT ENERGY CAPACITIES
Mesh: TECCO® G65/4

Boulder: 2040 kg

Height: 5 m
VIDEO
 ABAQUS model calibrated using Laboratoy
and Field tests (Attenuattor)

Source;
3D Finite Element Modelling of Chain-link Drapery System
(Soheil Tahmasbi et al.; Eurock 2017)
1:1 FIELD TEST IN CANADA

Test site Canada

58 08.05.2019
 Hope (BC), Canada
Rock motion
sensors
Measure j
translational and
rotational change.
500 g
8000 deg/sec
20k Hz

Load cells Barrier forces

Video analysis
and accounting
for attenuation
energy budget. Advanced rockfall process and
barrier modelling.

• Two way R&D  model and test.

59 08.05.2019
TESTING LOAD TRANSFER CAPACITY:
MESH - TOP ROPE - ANCHORS
COMPONENTS OF A DRAPE SYSTEM

Mesh including connections (DELTAX, MINAX,

TECCO, SPIDER)
Tope rope (wire rope)
Top Anchors
DELTAX® G80/2 – DRAPE MESH (ROCKFALL
NETTING)
Properties:
 Wire diameter: 2 mm
 Tensile strength: 1770 N/mm2
 Mesh opening: 80 mm (inner circle)
 Load capacity: 53 kN/m
 Weight: 680 g/m2
 Weight roll: 68 kg / roll
 Mesh width: 3.5 m
 Mesh length: 30 m
DRAPE EXAMPLES - DELTAX

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DRAPE EXAMPLES - DELTAX

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DELTAX ® – ROCKFALL NETTING
ROCKFALL DRAPES; MINAX M80/3
GALV.
Properties:
 Wire diameter: 3.0 mm
 Tensile strength: 1770 N/mm2
 Mesh opening: 80 mm (inner circle)
 Load capacity: 110 kN/m
 Weight: 1.50 kg/m2
 Weight roll: 157.5 kg / roll
 Mesh width: 3.5 m
 Mesh length: 30 m
ROCKFALL PROTECTION
DELTAX DRAPE, SYDNEY
DRAPE EXAMPLES

8/05/2019
MINAX® M80/3 – DRAPE MESH
ROCKFALL DRAPES; TECCO G65/3 OR
TECCO G80/4
Properties:
 Wire diameter: 3 mm
 Tensile strength: 1770 N/mm2
 Mesh opening: 65 mm (inner circle)
 Load capacity: 150 kN/m
 Weight: 1.65 kg/m2
 Weight roll: 175 kg / roll
 Mesh width: 3.5 m
 Mesh length: 30 m
 TECCO® G65/3 – DRAPE MESH
(ICELAND)
TECCO® 80/4, 65/3 AND
SPIDER S4-130 DRAPE MESH
05
ATTENUATOR SYSTEMS
(RAISED DRAPE SYSTEMS)

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ATTENUATORS

Our ATTENUATOR is the first dimensionable of its type!

for areas exposed to high

rockfall frequency

ideally with catching area

Fully tested in 1:1 field tests

Based on certified systems

with proven high-tensile
meshes/nets

Attenuator 74 08.05.2019
ATTENUATOR GENERAL
DESCRIPTION
Principle of the ATTENUATOR

Impact zone

Drape zone

Runout zone

3 different requirements to the

system

Attenuator 75 08.05.2019
ATTENUATOR GENERAL
DESCRIPTION
Principle of the ATTENUATOR

Impact zone

redirect

Attenuator 76 08.05.2019
ATTENUATOR GENERAL
DESCRIPTION
Principle of the attenuator

Drape zone

direct

Attenuator 77 08.05.2019
ATTENUATOR GENERAL
DESCRIPTION
Principle of the ATTENUATOR

Runout zone

«catch»

Attenuator 78 08.05.2019
ATTENUATOR GENERAL
DESCRIPTION

Worst case scenarios: Two load cases:

Horizontal impact

Vertical impact

Attenuator 79 08.05.2019
ATTENUATOR TEST SITE
(SWITZERLAND)
1:1 FIELD TEST IN CANADA

Test site Canada

Barrier impulse J
Ground impulse J

J = Fδt = ∆P = mv2-mv1

J = kg∙ms-1
81 08.05.2019
INSTRUMENTATION

Hope (BC), Canada

Rock motion
sensors
Measure j
translational and
rotational change.
500 g
8000 deg/sec
20k Hz

Load cells Barrier forces

Video analysis
and accounting
for attenuation
energy budget. Advanced rockfall process and
barrier modelling.

• Two way R&D  model and test.

08.05.2019
VIDEO ANALYSIS

Test site in Hope BC (software Kinovea )

ATTENUATOR BARRIER (RAISED
DRAPE SYSTEM)
WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE – TW

Highway 18 sta. 70K+500, Chiayi Country, Taiwan

Technical description

Barrier type: Attenuator

Barrier length: 20 m

Barrier height: 3m

Foundation: Rock

Mesh: 65/4

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Attenuator 08.05.2019
WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE – NZ

Kaikoura State Highway 1, New Zealand

Technical description

Barrier type: RXE-2000 Hybrid

Barrier length: 89 m

Barrier height: 4m

Foundation: Rock

Mesh: Ringnet with TECCO®

86

Attenuator 08.05.2019
WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE – NZ

Manawatu Gorge, New Zealand

Technical description

Barrier type: GBE 500 AR

Barrier length: 140 m

Barrier height: 4m

Foundation: Rock

Mesh: TECCO G80/4

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Attenuator 08.05.2019
WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE – NZ

Diana Falls, New Zealand

Technical description

Barrier type: Various

Barrier length: 50, 50, 50m

Barrier height: 5-9m

Foundation: Rock

Mesh: ROCCO/SPIDER

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Attenuator 08.05.2019
DIANA FALLS NZ
Diana Falls NZ

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WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE – AU

Sellicks Hill, Adelaide, South Australia

Technical description

Barrier type: GBE 500 A

Barrier length: 80 m

Barrier height: 3m

Foundation: Rock

Mesh: TECCO®

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Attenuator 08.05.2019
ADELAIDE
THANK YOU!

08.05.2019