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Rockfall Control

Rockfall is a function of nature’s weathering process. Our team can mitigate potential rockfall hazards by controlling the falling rock using on-slope treatments such as draped mesh or attenuator systems. These systems allow the rockfall to occur but contain or control its movement once the dynamic motion begins. A standard solution is to drape high tensile strength steel over the slope’s crest to retard the energy and keep material between the mesh and ground as it falls down the hill. This method prevents rockfall from bounding into the traveling lanes and infrastructure. However, suppose a site with exceedingly high slopes requires additional protection. In that case, a drape mesh can be extended from a rockfall barrier system without a bottom rope creating an attenuator or hybrid barrier system.

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What are Some Methods of Rockfall Control?

Rockfall Control is an important topic for anyone living in an area prone to landslides and rockfalls. This article discusses the benefits of rockfall control and how it can help protect lives, property, and the environment.

There are several effective methods of rockfall control, including the installation of rockfall protection fences, rockfall barriers, and draped mesh systems. These measures are designed to prevent rockfall hazards in areas with high risk of slope failure. Rockfall protection fences and barriers are typically made of steel, concrete, or other durable materials, and are designed to absorb impact and divert falling rocks away from construction sites, roads, and other vulnerable areas. Draped mesh systems, on the other hand, are designed to contain falling rocks and prevent them from reaching the ground. These systems consist of a flexible mesh that is draped over the slope surface and anchored to the ground

Butte Dam Attenuator

What is the Most Effective Strategy for Controlling Rockfall on Slopes?

The most effective strategy for controlling rockfall on slopes is to use on-slope treatments such as draped mesh or attenuator systems. These systems allow the rockfall to occur but contain or control its movement once the dynamic motion begins. A standard solution is to drape high tensile strength steel over the slope’s crest to retard the energy and keep material between the mesh and ground as it falls down the hill. This method prevents rockfall from bounding into the traveling lanes and infrastructure. However, if a site with exceedingly high slopes requires additional protection, a drape mesh can be extended from a rockfall barrier system without a bottom rope creating an attenuator or hybrid barrier system. GeoStabilization’s personnel will review the slope’s analysis data, including rockfall trajectory and energy modeling, and choose the best solution for the customer’s specific rockfall control application. Our team of engineers and rock remediation technicians will then utilize our specialized fleet of purpose-built, limited access rock drills to install the solution.

What are the Benefits of Using a Rockfall Protection System?

The benefits of using a rockfall protection system are numerous. Firstly, these systems prevent potential rockfall hazards from causing harm to travelers, infrastructure, and surrounding areas. By controlling the falling rock, on-slope treatments such as draped mesh or attenuator systems can help contain or control its movement once dynamic motion begins. Additionally, using these systems can allow for safe and efficient travel on high-risk slopes, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.

Furthermore, incorporating rockfall protection systems can also help prevent costly damages to infrastructure and buildings caused by rockfall. These systems can provide significant long-term cost savings by reducing the need for ongoing repairs and maintenance.

Overall, implementing a rockfall protection system is an essential safety measure that can enhance the safety and security of slopes and surrounding areas. By choosing a reliable and experienced provider like GeoStabilization International, customers can benefit from a range of cost-effective, customized solutions for all types of rockfall mitigation and rock slope stabilization purposes.

US340 Rockfall Mitigation - Slope Drape/Attenuator 2

Rockfall Control System Design and Installation

To ensure an effective rockfall control system, several steps must be taken. Firstly, an analysis of the slope must be conducted, including a rockfall trajectory and energy modeling assessment. This analysis will provide critical information about the potential hazards and the type of system required to mitigate them.

Once the analysis is complete, a suitable on-slope treatment system should be selected, such as draped mesh or attenuator systems. The system should be designed to contain or control the movement of the falling rock, thereby preventing it from causing damage to infrastructure or endangering lives.

The installation of the system should be carried out by a team of experienced personnel, including engineers and rock remediation technicians. They should utilize specialized equipment and purpose-built, limited-access rock drills to ensure the system is installed correctly and to the highest standards. Regular inspections and maintenance of the rockfall control system are also necessary to ensure its continued effectiveness. This includes monitoring and repairing any damage to the system caused by weathering or other factors.

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OUR PROCESS

Design/Build Solutions

Our design/build solutions are customized to the varying demands and site constraints of each geohazard we encounter. Every project that we take on is completed with one goal in mind: always provide the best value.

STEP 1

ASSESSMENT

No-obligation site visit by a qualified geotechnical engineer.

STEP 2

ANALYSIS

Fixed-cost proposal developed from available geotechnical and site visit information.

STEP 3

DESIGN

In-house engineering team assists or completes the design.

STEP 4

INSTALLATION

Crews can mobilize within 24 hours; designs optimized in real time.

WARRANTY

Multi-year performance warranty covers materials, installation, and overall system performance.

WARRANTY

Multi-year performance warranty covers materials, installation, and overall system performance.

Client Reviews

Rock Mitigation Client in Virginia

I wish I had been smart enough to let you design the rock mitigation. You and your team turned in an excellent performance. The work ethic of your team impressed everyone on our side of the table. Most companies print a slogan on their company clothing. However, your folks demonstrated every hour that they “Work Hard or Go Home”. You sent us a world class construction team – thanks!

Client in Wyoming on Rock Mitigation & Removal

Richard, I wanted to take a quick minute and thank you and Courtney and the awesome crew that you sent here to take care of our huge rock. Courtney, John, and Andrew are some of the hardest working people I have had the privilege to be around. Their attention to safety professionalism, and never quit attitude was amazing to watch. Even when things did not go our way they were committed to finishing the job. I appreciate you sending these great guys to help us out and look forward to the opportunity to work with you again in the future.

General Contractor in Tennessee

I’d like to say that it was a pleasure working with GSI. I would like to personally commend the efforts of Josh Kelly and his crew; Steven, Lee, Austin, and Trent. They went above and beyond to meet our schedule by working long hours, more importantly long “hard” hours. They are an extremely hard-working bunch who never complained and did whatever it took to get the job done, they are a crew that I would recommend to anyone. This speaks more importantly than anything else to the caliber of work that GSI performs. I believe that the relationship formed between [our company] and GSI on this project will lead to future partnerships on projects down the road and I hope that the mutual respect we’ve developed on this project will continue for years to come. Thanks again and please let Josh and his crew know that their hard work was greatly appreciated.
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If you are interested in a no obligation site visit to determine if our services fit your geohazard mitigation needs, call us at 855.579.0536 or fill out our contact form.

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    Rockfall mitigation

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