Installed below potentially loose and unstable rock faces Maccaferri rockfall barriers (or catch fences) are designed to catch falling rocks and boulders, stopping them falling onto infrastructure or developments. Maccaferri's barriers have also been successful of containing debris flows of many tonnes.

Maccaferri's barriers have been full-scale tested: the test program was drawn up and carried out following the instructions provided in the draft document ETAG 27 - Guideline for European Technical Approval of Falling Rock Protection Kits (The certificate for the full-scale crash test was issued to Maccaferri by Bologna University DISTART Department). The ETAG guidelines are to be gradually introduced across Europe over the next 2-3 years. The Guidelines impose rigorous full-scale testing on barriers over two impact tests to determine an energy absorption capacity. Test 1 is at maximum energy (MEL test), Test 2 is at serviceability energy (SEL = 30% MEL).

With the ETAG Guidelines, no repairs are allowed between these two tests and the barrier has to survive both impacts. The residual height of the barrier and maximum deflection experienced is measured and a 'Category' is assigned to the barrier. For example: Category A refers to a barrier that has passed both impacts and whose residual height after those impacts is greater than 50% of the nominal (original) height.

NB: Because the 'Swiss Methodology' for testing rockfall barriers allows unlimited repairs between impact tests, comparison between a Swiss Methodolgy Certified barrier and an ETAG compliant barrier is not really possible. Barriers tested solely to the Swiss Methodology may not have been tested to survive the more rigorous ETAG guideline where no repairs are allowed between tests. Specifiers need to determine what level of energy absorption (maximum or serviceability) is required after each impact and how many impacts the barrier is requried to survive before repairs can be effected.

Maccaferri catch fences are supplied in a 'kit form'. All components (except ground anchors) are provided in the kit, including panel mesh, anchor posts, footing plates, brakes, cables, and clips.

Our barriers are available in capacities from 500 kJ right up to a massive 5000 kJ. The posts are spaced at 10m centres and the barriers are available in a variety of heights.

Please download the appropriate technical data sheets for more information.

 

See how our colleagues in New Zealand are using Rockfall products in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV1CO13UI0U&feature=youtu.be  

Related Pages

Press release

Downloads

Brochure

Case History

Technical Data Sheet