Rock Removal

Heavy machinery with the CAN logo

Removing hazardous rock early prevents problems and emergencies down the road.

What is rock removal?

Rock removal of often a necessary first step to any stabilisation project.

Aside from removing long term, potential hazards, rock removal is an important step in keeping our teams safe prior to starting any other work on, or near a rockface.

Small rock removal is often referred to as scaling, or sometimes de-scaling, and larger blocks are often covered under the term block removal, or rock removal but these terms are all somewhat interchangeable.

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How is it done?

Small rock removal, or scaling typically utilises a hands-on approach, requiring people to access the rock face, and small hand tools are used to gently remove any loose material and allow it to fall to the bottom for removal.

Larger block removal if often utilised when the risk of stabilising the hazard outweigh that of removing it. In these situations, blocks may be hauled but are usually lowered or allowed to fall.

A range of techniques can be employed to do this, including:

  • heavy plant
  • power tools
  • jacks
  • winches
  • pneumatic airbag lifters
  • expanding grout
  • or explosive charges (in extreme cases)

No matter the extent of rock removal, the safety of people and assets in the area are paramount.

We design protection measures to suit any project, including:

  • heavily engineered barriers
  • temporary catch fences
  • managed exclusion zones
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