Dynamic Rockfall Barriers
Dynamic Rockfall Barriers
1. INTRODUCTION
In certain rockfall hazard situations, it may not be practical to install rockfall drapery protection or surface stabilization mesh, due to technical, topographic, access or economic issues. In these cases, Maccaferri’s Rockfall Barrier is an optimum solution to intercept and stop falling rocks at various sizes and other falling debris and protect the infrastructure works and roads underneath.
Fig. 1: Some photos of Rockfall Barrier in Italy and Spain
Cost-effective solutions to intercept falling boulders
In certain rockfall hazard situations, it may not be practical to install rockfall drapery protection or surface stabilization mesh, due to technical, topographic, access or economic issues. In these cases, a cost-effective solution is often provided by installing dynamic rockfall barriers on the slope face. These dynamic barriers are positioned to intercept and stop falling rocks and boulders. Our rockfall barriers are supplied in “kit form” for a specific height, length and energy absorption capacity.
How our dynamic rockfall barriers work
Our rockfall barriers feature a unique, patented, compression braking system. This energy absorption device is a simple, yet effective mechanism because it maintains performance throughout the entire design life of the structure. Unlike traditional ‘friction brake’ devices, our compression tube brake is very easy to visually inspect by our clients’ maintenance engineers as it progressively crushes as the fence is impacted. It also does not become clogged with grit or corrosion over the life of the fence, which could potentially reduce the effectiveness of the barrier under impact.
Maccaferri solutions have ETA approval. We supply rockfall barriers / catch fences with energy absorption capacities from 100kJ. These systems were developed through a combination of design and field tests, as required by the official standards (e.g. Swiss, Austrian and ETAG 027-2008 “Guideline for European Technical Approval of Falling Rock Protection Kits”). Our rockfall catch fences have been granted ETA Approval in accordance with ETAG 027. (Visit www.eota.be for the latest systems to be granted ETA).
We can work with clients to assist them in the optimal positioning of barriers on rock slopes.
2. FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURE
Vinh Hung JSC can supply a wide range of Maccaferri’s Rockfall Barriers designed to to arrest/catch falling rocks and boulders to avoid or mitigate the damages to infrastructure, other developments and dead accidents. Rockfall Barrier is composed of a complex system including the steel cables connected to the structural components, energy absorption devices and anchors, which is able to withstand big deformations and designed to be easy in shipment and installation in harsh conditions.
Fig. 2: Components of Rockfall Barrier
We can supply all the solutions for rockfall problems including debris flow barriers, dynamic rockfall barriers and hybrid and attenuator barriers. Especially, the dynamic rockfall barriers are designed to have the allowed sagging deformation under any load and be available with energy absorption capacity from 250kJ up to 8,500kJ.
3. INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
The fully-installed rockfall barriers will include anchor posts, footing plates, panel mesh, brakes, cables, clips and soil anchors (for typical soil surface). Under limited space conditions, the system can be suitable and easily installed by experienced contractors who are good at drilling. The works on the rock surface will be conducted through hanging cables. The maintenance works for the barriers after they are impacted are very simple, which includes the removal of intercepted rock debris or tree branches, replacement of brakes and tests on the working performance of other items. Maccaferri have carried out full-scale tests on rockfall barriers in accordance to very strict international standards and the results have proved that the rockfall barriers can be applied to perfectly protect most of road infrastructures, railroads, buildings, mine haul-roads where the hazards of rockfall and occurrence of rockfall are available.
Fig. 4: Maintenance after rock fall Fig. 5: Installation of rockfall barrier
4. ADVANTAGES
The Aluminum braking unit of the energy absorption part is durable, easy for checking and repairing (for small impact) and replacement (for big impact)
Fig. 6: Test on energy dissipating device
- The rockfall barrier are supplied in the kit which offers ease for shipment and installation
- The barriers are tested and certified in accordance with ISO international standards
Fig. 7: Test on punching force
- Easy for checking and maintenance
- Be economical in case the similar products cannot be used.