FIELD TESTS OF FLEXIBLE ROCKFALL BARRIERS

Test results evaluating the performance, maintenance and construction of flexible rockfall barriers used to stop rockfall in steep mountainous terrain are presented. Six designs were subjected to over 100 rock rolls during field testing. All designs were tested to the point of failure. Performance data indicates that barrier designs successfully stopped design load rock impacts that occurred anywhere within the net panels without the need for immediate maintenance. For impacts that exceeded design loads, rockfall barrier design efficiencies decreased and maintenance increased until a maximum load resulting in total destruction of the system was reached. Understanding these relationships is fundamental in determining the appropriate site specific flexible rockfall barrier. (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD 873033.