Rockfall Stabilization 3.2 by 3.

Module 6: Rockfall Barriers At 6.6 and .06

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Welcome to Module 6 of the Rockfall Stabilization course. In this module, we

will look at rockfall barriers. We have already discussed rockfall stabilization
measures on the slope itself, but we haven’t talked about rockfall measures
that can be used along the edge of the road to catch rockfall before entering
the roadway. That will be our focus here.

Image description: Rockfall barrier on the Banks-Lowman rockfall project in

2014-2015 in Idaho.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you should be able to:
 Identify and explain flexible rockfall fences
 Identify and explain other barrier systems

This module will take approximately 30 minutes to complete Back Continue

After completing this module, you should be able to:

● Identify and explain flexible rockfall fences; and

● Identify and explain other barrier systems.

This module will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

 Rockfall Stabilization

Definition of Flexible Rockfall Fence

A type of fence placed between the rockfall-prone slope

and the travel way to arrest rockfall. It is usually located
at the base of the slope adjacent to the roadway.

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A flexible rockfall fence is a type of barrier placed between the rockfall-prone

slope and the travel way to arrest rockfall. It is usually located at the base of
the slope adjacent to the roadway. These flexible fence systems are primarily
composed of steel posts, steel post foundations, ground anchors, flexible
cable and mesh fabric panels, and braking elements.

Rockfall barriers are often constructed along the edge of the road when it isn’t
cost-effective to stabilize the rockfall source areas on the slope, and when
there is adequate space along the roadway to install a barrier and a catchment
area behind the barrier.

There are several types of rockfall barriers, but a flexible rockfall fence is a
designed rockfall barrier that dissipates the energy of rockfall, arrests it, and
captures it behind the barrier. The fence is usually designed for containment of
at least 90 to 95% of the rockfall as based on computer rockfall trajectory
modeling.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Example of Flexible Rockfall Fence

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This is an example of a flexible rockfall fence that was installed in 2014 on the
Banks-Lowman project in Idaho. There is a high slope with an abundance of
loose rock on the slope. Note that the fence is faced with jersey barrier since
the fence is within the clear zone to protect traffic.

Image description: Flexible rockfall fence that was installed in 2014 on the
Banks-Lowman project in Idaho.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Flexible Rockfall Fence with Cable Net and Secondary Wire Mesh Fabric Fence

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This flexible rockfall fence system uses cable net fabric and a secondary wire
mesh. Note the accumulation of rockfall debris behind the fence after one rainy
season. The inspector is evaluating the impacts of a 3-foot rock on the fence
fabric. The ladder steps were installed on the posts at the request of the
contractor to make access to the top of the fence system easier for installation
and maintenance.

Image description: Flexible rockfall fence system using cable net and
secondary wire mesh fabric in the panels.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Plan Sheet for Flexible Rockfall Fence

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The contract will typically have a performance specification for a flexible

rockfall fence. Usually it will list the minimum kinetic energy for rockfall impacts
with little to no maintenance required, a location, and a length for the fence, as
shown in this plan sheet from the Banks-Lowman project in Idaho. It will also
include the minimum height for the fence. Since there are several flexible
rockfall fence manufacturers, it is difficult to assume which type of flexible
rockfall fence system will be utilized by the contractor.

Image description: A plan sheet from the Banks-Lowman contract showing the
placement of the flexible rockfall fence, ecology concrete blocks, and jersey
barrier.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Detail Section of Plan for Flexible Rockfall Fence

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The typical section usually provides more detail about the minimum height of
the fence and tie-back anchors, the minimum clean-out ditch width and slope,
and the distances to the jersey barrier and placement of the concrete ecology
blocks relative to the roadway. In this example, the dimensions of the
foundation are provided as well.

Payment for the flexible rockfall fence is typically paid by the lineal foot
installed, and this includes the fence foundations, posts, mesh fabric, wire
ropes, and all ground support anchors.

Image description: Typical detail section of plan for flexible rockfall fence.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Flexible Rockfall Fence on MSE Wall

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This is an example of a rare installation of a flexible rockfall fence on top of a

mechanically stabilized earth (or MSE) wall faced with integral colored ecology
blocks and jersey barrier. Sometimes, there is limited roadway width and
catchment, so building a wall to provide additional catchment for rockfall and
maintenance activities is a reasonable mitigation option.

Image description: Flexible rockfall fence built on top of a mechanically

stabilized earth wall on the Banks-Lowman rockfall project in 2014-2015 in
Idaho.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Installing Post Foundations

Installing post foundations and

torqueing the foundation
connection plates to
manufacturer specifications.

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The first step in constructing a flexible rockfall fence is to install reinforced

foundations that will accommodate the connection plate for the posts. There
are several different kinds of post connections depending on the manufacturer
of the fence system. In this case, the foundation plate is for a swivel post
connection and requires torqueing to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

This is a good time to discuss payment and inspection requirements for

flexible rockfall fences. It is common to pay for a flexible rockfall fence by the
lineal foot erected and installed, from end post to end post. Take special note
that the material acceptance process can be difficult because the
manufacturer will provide the basic elements of the fence system, but the
foundation, wire anchor ropes, seaming ropes, and border ropes and shackles
may all be from different suppliers, but are necessary to complete the
installation of the fence system. It is important for the construction team to be
involved in the development of the material acceptance requirements to
simplify this process as much as possible for when you are under contract.

Image 1 description: Additional compaction efforts around a recently poured

foundation for the flexible rockfall fence as they bring the ground surface to
final grade.

Image 2 description: Steel post connector plate being torqued to

manufacturers specifications.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Installing Post Foundations

Posts are attached to the foundation connection plate and are attached by a simple
hinge. A U-shaped braking element is located at the ends of the fence.

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Flanged posts are attached to the swivel foundation connection plate as

shown in the photo on the left.

Flexible rockfall fences include various types of breaking elements to help the
system absorb and attenuate rockfall impact energy. The braking element will
be initiated if the flexible fabric, ground anchors, and posts don’t absorb the
majority of the energy generated from the impact. In this example, the arrow
points to a braking element that is a “U” shaped steel bar that must be pulled
through a turnbuckle with great resistance. The flexible rockfall fence system is
designed for substantial impact loads, but periodic maintenance of the system,
like replacing these braking elements is needed after large rockfall impacts. It
is suggested that a “cheater” mark or scratch be placed on the steel bar
braking element so that you can tell if the bar has been actuated by a rockfall
impact.

Image 1 description: Flanged posts attached to the swivel foundation

connection plate.

Image 2 description: Braking element that will be initiated if the flexible panel
fabric, ground anchors, and posts don’t absorb the majority of the energy
generated from the rockfall impact.
 Rockfall Stabilization

O-Ring Braking Element

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This is another type of braking element used on a rockfall fence system. When
the “O” ring closes by about 50%, it reduces the ability to dissipate the rockfall
impacts in the flexible rockfall fence system.

Image description: Ring-net flexible rockfall fence system with O-ring braking
elements.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Post Placement

Erecting posts to specified batter and attaching flexible cable panels.

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Once posts have been connected with tie-back anchors in an upright position,
the posts are placed at the appropriate batter and are centered before
attaching the mesh panels. The ground anchors are installed using the same
methods discussed in Module 5 for slope protection system anchors.

Once the lateral ropes and anchors are attached, the flexible rockfall fence
panels can be pulled like a shower curtain along the lateral lines and
connected to one another.

Image 1 description: Forklift holding the fence post and fabric in-place while a
second forklift is used to connect wire rope to the tie back anchors.

Image 2 description: Levels being used in two directions on the steel post to
align the post per the manufacturer’s requirements.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Wire Ropes Through Post Connections

Concrete ecology blocks and concrete traffic barrier are

placed on the traffic side of the fence.

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This shows the fence following initial erection. Wire ropes are running through
the post connections to the lateral anchors that contain the braking elements.
Only the top lateral support rope has been completed thus far. In the second
photo, concrete blocks are being placed along the base of the fence to
mitigate large rocks pushing the jersey barrier into traffic.

Image 1 description: Small excavator bringing in leveling pad material and a

whacker packer used to compact the leveling pad material.

Image 2 description: Concrete blocks are being placed along the base of the
fence.


 Rockfall Stabilization

Completed Flexible Rockfall Fence

Overhead clearance for the tieback anchors and the width of the rockfall
catchment ditch is critical for maintenance equipment to be able to access and
periodically clean the ditch.

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In this completed flexible rockfall fence, the tie-back anchors had to be

elevated to a minimum height to allow for maintenance equipment to access
the clean-out ditch without having to disassemble the fence and re-erect it
following ditch maintenance activities, which sometimes need to occur twice
per year.

Image 1 description: Elements of the constructed design from the Jersey traffic
barrier, to the concrete blocks at the base of the flexible rockfall fence, to the
elevated tie-back anchors, allow maintenance equipment access. The lateral
support ropes that run the length of the installation along the top and bottom of
the fence are shown as being connected to the U-shaped braking elements.

Image 2 description: Wide clean-out ditch and ladder rungs on the steel posts.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Post-completion Meeting

Before and after pictures of the completed flexible rockfall fence.

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It is important to talk about the need to schedule a meeting with the

manufacturer’s representative and the owner’s maintenance foreman and
personnel to communicate the key features of the flexible rockfall fence that
should be watched and periodically replaced when wear is observed. This is a
great opportunity to introduce the owner to the manufacturer as you wrap up
the construction phase of the project.

Image 1 description: Before photo of a completed flexible rockfall fence on the

Banks-Lowman project in Idaho.

Image 2 description: After photo of a completed flexible rockfall fence on the

Banks-Lowman project in Idaho.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Best Practices for Flexible Rockfall Fences

 Allow enough overhead clearance for the maintaining agency’s equipment
 Allow plenty of offset distance from fence face to traveled way if ditch room
allows
 Consider station distance in lateral ground anchors at the fence’s end posts
 Defer to fence manufacturer’s recommendations during installation
 Make “cheater” marks on the braking elements to enable easy verification of
rockfall impacts engaging the braking elements
 Ensure owner's maintenance personnel understand maintenance
requirements

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Before we discuss other types of rockfall barriers along the road, let’s review
some best practices that should be considered when designing and inspecting
a flexible rockfall fence:

● Allow enough overhead clearance in the design for the maintaining agency’s
equipment;
● Allow plenty of offset distance from the fence face to the traveled way if the
ditch room allows. By providing more space, high energy impacts will be
prevented from extending into the traveled way;
● Consider the station distance in the lateral ground anchors at the fence’s end
posts. The location of these anchors should extend beyond the end posts by
approximately 20 feet;
● Defer to the fence manufacturer’s recommendations during installation;
● Recommend making "cheater" marks on the braking elements so it will be
easy for the owner's personnel to verify when a rockfall impact engages the
braking elements and may need attention; and
● Ensure the owner's maintenance personnel understand the maintenance
requirements for the flexible rockfall fence. A field visit by the fence
manufacturer is recommended with the owner's maintenance personnel
present.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Other Barrier Systems

Stacked Gabion Barriers

MSE Barriers

Large Concrete Barriers

Select each of the buttons to investigate the other options. Back Continue

In this module, we have primarily exposed you to a flexible rockfall fence,

since it has been developed for rockfall and is a specialized structure to
construct. However, there are several other barriers that may be more
appropriate, or less expensive, to arrest rockfall at your site. These systems
are similar to the flexible rockfall fence when presented in contract because
they include the location and height of the barrier. Other barrier systems
include earthen berms, stacked gabion barriers, MSE barriers, and large
concrete barriers. We aren’t going to spend any time on earthen berms other
than to say that if you have a lot of space between the roadway and the slope,
it is a cost-effective option. It is usually difficult to maintain a steep face toward
the rockfall-prone slope, and this is preferable in order to contain rockfall that
may roll up and over the earthen berm.

Select each of the buttons to investigate the other options.

 Rockfall Stabilization

Other Barrier Systems

Stacked Gabion Barriers

MSE Barriers

Large Concrete Barriers

Select each of the buttons to investigate the other options. Back Continue

In this module, we have primarily exposed you to a flexible rockfall fence,

since it has been developed for rockfall and is a specialized structure to
construct. However, there are several other barriers that may be more
appropriate, or less expensive, to arrest rockfall at your site. These systems
are similar to the flexible rockfall fence when presented in contract because
they include the location and height of the barrier. Other barrier systems
include earthen berms, stacked gabion barriers, MSE barriers, and large
concrete barriers. We aren’t going to spend any time on earthen berms other
than to say that if you have a lot of space between the roadway and the slope,
it is a cost-effective option. It is usually difficult to maintain a steep face toward
the rockfall-prone slope, and this is preferable in order to contain rockfall that
may roll up and over the earthen berm.

Select each of the buttons to investigate the other options.

 Rockfall Stabilization

Stacked Gabion Barriers NEXT X CLOSE

Stacked gabion barriers have proven to be very effective in dissipating rockfall

impacts and containing rockfall when appreciable space is available for
construction and clean-out. Note that these gabions are embedded below the
pavement section and have a total height of about 8 feet, with periodic
openings for maintenance to access the cleanout areas behind the rockfall
barriers.

Image description: Gabion barriers along SR 12 in Washington State on the

east side of White Pass.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Stacked Gabion Barriers BACK NEXT X CLOSE

This example shows a 5-foot high gabion rockfall barrier with jersey traffic
barrier being used between the gabions and roadway. Note the long sections
of gabion barrier without periodic clean-outs. Maintenance will usually require
more frequent access behind barriers so they are spending little time behind
the barrier during clean-out activities.

Image description: A gabion rockfall barrier on SR 12 in Washington State over

White Pass.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Stacked Gabion Barriers BACK X CLOSE

This is a typical access point for maintenance behind a stacked gabion rockfall
barrier. It is important to position these access points in areas with less rockfall
and larger catchment ditches.

Image description: A gabion rockfall barrier on SR 12 in Washington State over

White Pass.
 Rockfall Stabilization

MSE Barriers NEXT X CLOSE

This example of a MSE rockfall barrier is in Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado.

When you look closely, it is functioning well to stop rockfall, but the use of a
rigid block face may need further consideration in future rockfall barrier design.

Image description: An MSE rockfall barrier along a rockfall-prone section of

Wolf Pass in Colorado.
 Rockfall Stabilization

MSE Barriers BACK NEXT X CLOSE

Notice the damage caused to the inside of the barrier by rockfall impacts. If
installing these rigid faced rockfall barriers, consider padding the back of the
MSE wall with timbers or rubber tires to limit damage to the exterior concrete
blocks.

Image description: Concrete modular blocks used to face MSE walls. The
linear black fabric is the geotextile used between each layer of blocks through
the back fill to the face blocks.
 Rockfall Stabilization

MSE Barriers BACK X CLOSE

Another problem with using rigid structural blocks to face the MSE rockfall
barrier system is that large rocks can displace the MSE wall material and
deform or break the face of the MSE wall, releasing MSE wall backfill. MSE
barriers have the ability to withstand large rockfall impacts, and if room
permits, are functional, cost-effective rockfall barriers. However, this MSE
barrier would benefit from some less rigid layers being placed along the back
of the MSE wall to dissipate rockfall energy, ultimately protecting the MSE wall
concrete modular blocks and prolonging the function of the rockfall barrier.

Image 1 description: Damage caused by rockfall in Wolf Creek Pass,

Colorado.

Image 2 description: Damage caused by rockfall in Wolf Creek Pass,

Colorado.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Large Concrete Barriers X CLOSE

This cable-connected large concrete rockfall barrier is backed with large

timbers to dissipate and arrest rockfall impacts. Note the 5-foot diameter rock
that has moved the barrier out of alignment near where the people are
standing. The large timber layer has kept this section functioning well from
repeated rockfall impacts since the early 1990s. However, periodic
replacement of the timbers has been required.

Image description: Glitter Gulch Rock Blockers, a site near the entrance of
Denali National Park in Alaska on the George Parks Highway.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Questions to Consider
 Can a steep face be maintained towards the rockfall-prone slope?
 Is there adequate room to allow maintenance personnel to clean out behind
the rockfall barriers?
 Are there sufficient access points for maintenance personnel?
 Should the rockfall barrier be lined with softer materials like timber or rubber
tires to preserve the rockfall barrier structure and limit maintenance
requirements?

Back Continue

Let’s review some questions to consider in the use of other rockfall barrier
systems described during this part of the module:

● Can you maintain a steep face toward the rockfall-prone slope? If not,
rockfall could roll over the rockfall barrier (or earthen berm);
● Is there adequate room to allow maintenance personnel to clean out behind
the rockfall barriers?
● Are there sufficient access points for maintenance personnel?
● Should the rockfall barrier be lined with softer materials like timber or rubber
tires to preserve the rockfall barrier structure and limit maintenance
requirements?
 Rockfall Stabilization

Which of the following are elements of flexible rockfall fencing? Select all
that apply.
a) Steel posts
b) Ground anchors
c) Rigid block face
d) Mesh fabric panels

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Knowledge Check Submit Clear

Which of the following are elements of flexible rockfall fencing? Select all that
apply:

a. Steel posts;
b. Ground anchors;
c. Rigid block face; and/or
d. Mesh fabric panels.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Which of the following are elements of flexible rockfall fencing? Select all
that apply.
a) Steel posts
b) Ground anchors
c) Rigid block face
d) Mesh fabric panels

Knowledge Check Debrief Back Continue

The correct answers are a, b, and d. Steel posts, ground anchors, and mesh
fabric panels are all elements of a flexible rockfall fencing system.
 Rockfall Stabilization

True or false? The purpose of cheater marks on braking elements is to

verify rockfall impact.
a) True
b) False

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Knowledge Check Submit Clear

True or false? The purpose of cheater marks on braking elements is to verify

rockfall impact.
 Rockfall Stabilization

True or false? The purpose of cheater marks on braking elements is to

verify rockfall impact.
a) True
b) False

Knowledge Check Debrief Back Continue

The correct answer is true. The purpose of cheater marks on braking elements
is to verify rockfall impact.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Select all answers that apply. Timbers or tires may be added to the back
of MSE barriers in order to:
a) Protect the barrier from damage
b) Deflect rockfall
c) Dissipate rockfall energy
d) Reduce overall costs

You have provided

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continue
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continue
completely
anywhere
again. to try again.

Knowledge Check Submit Clear

Select all answers that apply. Timbers or tires may be added to the back of
MSE barriers in order to:

a. Protect the barrier from damage;

b. Deflect rockfall;
c. Dissipate rockfall energy; and/or
d. Reduce overall costs.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Select all answers that apply. Timbers or tires may be added to the back
of MSE barriers in order to:
a) Protect the barrier from damage
b) Deflect rockfall
c) Dissipate rockfall energy
d) Reduce overall costs

Knowledge Check Debrief Back Continue

The correct answers are a and c. Timbers or tires may be added to the back of
MSE barriers in order to protect the barrier from damage by dissipating rockfall
energy.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Module Summary
You should now be able to:

 Identify and explain flexible rockfall fences

 Identify and explain other rockfall barrier systems

Back Continue

You should now be able to:

● Identify and explain flexible rockfall fences; and

● Identify and explain other rockfall barrier systems.

This completes the Rockfall Stabilization course. Select the ‘Continue’ button
to view and print your certificate.
 Rockfall Stabilization

Course Conclusion

Close this training window and the training curriculum and return to your My Training
page. You may need to log in to the National Highway Institute website to access your
My Training page.
We ask that you complete the course evaluation so that NHI may continually improve
this training. You will find the course evaluation listed on your My Training page.
When you have finished the evaluation, you will be able to print your certificate from
the certificate link.
Please allow up to 12 hours for your course progress to update and/or your course
certificate to upload. Back

This concludes Module 6: Rockfall Barriers.

Close this training window and the training curriculum and return to your My
Training page. You may need to log in to the National Highway Institute
website to access your My Training page. We ask that you complete the
course evaluation so that NHI may continually improve this training. You will
find the course evaluation listed on your My Training page. When you have
finished the evaluation, you will be able to print your certificate from the
certificate link.

Please allow up to 12 hours for your course progress to update and/or your
course certificate to upload.

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show users how to locate the Evaluation/Certification column where users can
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