Catch Fences
Rockfall barriers and rockfall catch fence systems can save lives and protect infrastructure
What is a catch fence?
Catch fences are used when the risk of rockfall can’t be entirely prevented, they rely on careful calculation of rockfall trajectory and assessment of likely rockfall size.
Rockfall catch fences can vary greatly in size, complexity and capacity and can also be used to mitigate risk of tree falls, or similar systems are sometimes even used in motorsports for crowd protection.
Catch fences can cover unlimited distances and come in heights varying from 1m to 10m+. The biggest fences are capable of an impact energy attenuation up to 12,500kJ- equivalent to a 25 tonne block hitting a fence at 71.5mph.
How are they installed?
Fences typically comprise steel posts, often installed on small, discreet foundations. Heights in the UK typically vary between 1m and ~6m, though taller fences are available.
Fence posts may include:
- Fore and back stays of steel wire rope, with or without energy absorbers
- Stand-alone rigid posts
Between the posts is suspended a steel wire mesh with reinforcing cables. There are numerous designs of fence and mesh available, depending on the specific site requirements.
Catch fences can be installed in a variety of environments:
- Flat ground, e.g., at the side of a road or railway
- Slopes
- Vertical or overhanging rock faces
CAN has extensive experience in the design and build of catch fences. We work closely with our supply partners to develop the best system for your requirements, helping to increase safety on site.
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Case Studies
ICON 2 – Sprinkler System
CAN Structures was contracted to install a supplementary sprinkler system to 19,600sqm of ceiling above an operational automated retrieval system…
Howzat! Specialist clean-up crew gets bird’s-eye view of Lord’s
Rope access specialists from CAN, an RSK company, have been viewing Lord’s Cricket Ground, home of Marylebone Cricket Club, from a…
Chesterfield College – Repointing
CAN Structures was instructed with the cleaning, by biocide application, and remedial repointing of 200sqm of brick parapet wall at Chesterfield…