Versatile new steel geocomposite for a range of rockfall protection and slope stabilisation applications

15/03/2006

Steelgrid, a woven geocomposite steel mesh reinforced with 8mm high tensile steel cables is now available in the UK from Maccaferri, specialists in retaining structures, soil reinforcement and erosion protection. Offering an alternative solution for projects where traditional rockfall netting requires additional reinforcement with cables, Steelgrid combines the two elements in one product and ensures a more precise distribution of cables and improved structural performance. In addition it is both quicker and easier to install on-site, offering significant savings in construction time on the rock face.

Protected by international patents, Steelgrid is designed for use in applications which demand greater strength than that offered by traditional rockfall protection netting. It is manufactured from double twisted wire mesh, galvanised with Galfan, a Zinc (mischmetal) alloy. Improving performance and ensuring uniform, precise cable distribution, high tensile steel cables with a nominal tensile strength of 1770N/mm2 are woven into the mesh during the manufacturing process.

Available with the option of Mono (Steelgrid M) or bi-oriented (Steelgrid B) cable reinforcement, the vertical cables are used in place of the conventional selvedge wires and are also inserted longitudinally within the woven mesh at pre-determined intervals. For bi-oriented applications requiring structural strength in two dimensions, transverse cables are inserted through the twists within the mesh and secured around the edge cables with aluminium suaged connections.

In addition to rockfall applications, Steelgrid is also appropriate for use with soil nails in slope stabilisation applications and can be used with a range of steel plate anchorage systems. It was developed by Maccaferri in Italy and has already been used in a number of applications across Europe and the USA.

Steelgrid is supplied in rolls with a standard 3 metre width and length of 25 or 50 metres. Currently there are four standard specifications: Mono oriented Steelgrid M with a longitudinal rope spacing of 1.5 metres and Bi oriented Steelgrid B with three alternative rope spacings, 1.5 x 1.5 metres, 3 x 3 metres and 1.5 longitudinal x 2 metre transverse cables. In addition, the location of cables can be customised to meet individual strength specifications, avoiding any redundancy or over specification in materials.

The UK arm of the Italian-based Maccaferri Industrial Group, Maccaferri Ltd specialises in gabions, geotextiles, geogrids and geomats. In addition to a full range of products for retaining structures, soil reinforcement and erosion protection, the company offers design support, technical advice and where appropriate, indemnified design and construction services.

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