An integral part of Maccaferri's Mac.Ro rockfall protection system

27/10/2006

Providing greater rockfall protection on unstable slopes, High Energy Absorption (HEA) steel cable panels are now available in the UK from Maccaferri, specialists in retaining structures, slope reinforcement and erosion protection.  A key element in the company's Mac.Ro flexible rockfall protection system, HEA panels are constructed from high strength steel cables in a mesh/grid configuration secured with a HEA steel wire knot.

Each HEA panel is manufactured from a single high tensile steel cable, laid out and overlapped in a grid configuration to form a rectangular mesh.  The dimensions of the panel can be manufactured to suit site conditions but is typically 6m x 3m.  Each intersection point is reinforced with a patented double steel wire knot, securing the cables where they cross.  Each knot consists of two bindings, formed by winding a pair of 3.00mm steel wires around the junction between all perpendicular steel cables.  This connection offers far greater junction strength than the 'clip' style fastenings.  A perimeter cable can be specified if required.

HEA panels can be used in a variety of applications.  In conjunction with anchors or bolts the HEA panel can actively restrain rock slopes and large boulders, which would otherwise have to be removed or secured by individual steel cables.  Used in conjunction with Maccaferri's hexagonal double twist wire mesh Rockfall Netting, HEA panels provide additional strength and greater protection for applications where there is a high risk of larger rocks breaking away.  Rock debris would be contained by the smaller aperture rockfall netting.

Able to withstand a maximum loading of 192kN, HEA panels can control the fall of boulders and loose materials in areas where safety is a very high priority.  The panels can also be used in combination with Maccaferri's MacMat-R, a geomat reinforced with double twisted wire mesh where soil stabilisation is an additional project criteria.

HEA panels are also a key element in Maccaferri's flexible rockfall barrier catch fences.  Rated and certified up to 2000Kj energy absorption.  The barriers are available in a range of heights and are independently certified from 250-2000Kj energy absorption; that's the equivalent of stopping a truck travelling at 70 mph!  Combined with a series of metal support posts anchored uphill, laterally and downhill with steel wire ropes, HEA panels form part of a catch-net system.  Designed to be easily transported and assembled in extreme conditions, the panels work independently of the posts, ensuring that rock boulders are safely 'encapsulated' even if a post is hit.

Maccaferri's HEA panels have been submitted to independent testing, both in Italy and the US and meet all relevant technical standards.  The patented 'knot' connection between perpendicular steel cables offers previously unseen levels of connection strength, crucial to performance demanded in rockfall protection applications.

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, slope reinforcement and erosion protection, the company offers design support, technical advice and where appropriate, indemnified design and construction services.