Flexible high energy rockfall protection galleries: An economical and environment-friendly alternative to concrete galleries in mountain regions?

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 12385.1;7 PFIW-IW

Short description (German)

Flexible high energy rockfall protection galleries: An economical and environment-friendly alternative to concrete galleries in mountain regions?

Short description (English)

Flexible high energy rockfall protection galleries: An economical and environment-friendly alternative to concrete galleries in mountain regions?

Abstract (German)

Massive concrete galleries are a common method to protect roads and railways from the natural hazard of rockfall. They are heavy structures with an accordingly high CO2 footprint, relatively expensive and time consuming to construct. We propose to investigate the suitability of flexible roof-type netting structures as replacement for concrete rockfall galleries. Such flexible galleries would be cost-effective, faster and easier to install and would reduce the carbon footprint significantly. Due to the lower material and installation costs, the use of public money for the protection of roads and railways could be significantly reduced. Since galleries are one of the only method presently in use in mountainous regions with steep rocky slopes throughout the world, we expect intense international interest and the therefore the possibility to establish a new international market. In this project we request funding to conduct full-scale tests coupled with laboratory tests leading to a numerical calculation model. Furthermore a structural design and maintenance concept will be developed.

Abstract (English)

Massive concrete galleries are a common method to protect roads and railways from the natural hazard of rockfall. They are heavy structures with an accordingly high CO2 footprint, relatively expensive and time consuming to construct. We propose to investigate the suitability of flexible roof-type netting structures as replacement for concrete rockfall galleries. Such flexible galleries would be cost-effective, faster and easier to install and would reduce the carbon footprint significantly. Due to the lower material and installation costs, the use of public money for the protection of roads and railways could be significantly reduced. Since galleries are one of the only method presently in use in mountainous regions with steep rocky slopes throughout the world, we expect intense international interest and the therefore the possibility to establish a new international market. In this project we request funding to conduct full-scale tests coupled with laboratory tests leading to a numerical calculation model. Furthermore a structural design and maintenance concept will be developed.