Rockfall Barriers/Catch Fences

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 Maccaferri rockfall catch fences on the slope face. These catch fences are positioned to intercept and stop falling rocks and boulders. Maccaferri’s rockfall fences are supplied in “kit form” for a specific height, length and energy absorption capacity.

Maccaferri’s rockfall catch fences feature a unique compression energy absorption device. This simple, yet effective device maintains its performance throughout the design life of the structure. Unlike traditional 'friction brake' devices, Maccaferri's compression tube brake is very easy to visually inspect 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.

Maccaferri supplies rockfall barriers/catch fences with energy absorption capacities from 500kJ up to 5,000kJ. These systems were developed through the combination of design and field tests, as required by the official standards (e.g. ETAG 027-2008 “Guideline for European Technical Approval of Falling Rock Protection Kits“). Maccaferri rockfall catch fences are gradually being granted ETA approval in accordance with ETAG 027. Visit www.eota.be for the latest systems granted ETA).

Maccaferri RMC catch fences are approved by ETAG and the barrier systems are composed of galvanized panels (ring net panels, cable panels and composite wire mesh panels or HEA knots), galvanized steel posts, state-of-the-art friction brakes, galvanized steel cables, cable and steel rod anchors, wire mesh, and accessories.
For more information about the multiple testing methodologies used in the development of Maccaferri catch fences and to get the latest technical data and specification information, please contact your local Maccaferri office.

TYPES OF RMC ROCKFALL BARRIERS

500 kJ
1,000 kJ
2,000 kJ
3,000 kJ
5,000 kJ
500 kJ without uphill bracing cable

BARRIER OPTIONS

Powder Coating
PVC and Polyester Coating Options

THE MACCAFERRI ADVANTAGE

Specially designed state-of-the-art friction brakes
Efficient barrier design to minimize required pullout resistance
Designed for efficient installation
System requires minimal maintenance
Post plinths have only a ground smoothing purpose. Applied forces are transferred to ground through steel bars or micropiles.
Superior testing results

RIGOROUS TESTING
Maccaferri rockfall barriers have been successfully tested under the most demanding conditions to absorb rock energy impacts of 500 to 5,000 kJ.

Satisfy all ETAG guidelines
HEA Panels withstood impacts with less damage than all other industry panels during a test conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) in 2007/2008.