Chapter 87 Rock stabilisation

Rock faces can be natural or man-made features of the landscape that can arouse significant local or national interest. A designer needs to be sensitive to the position and location of a rock face and give careful consideration to the likelihood and consequences of a failure. This is likely to determine the conceptual approach to any stabilisation works. Risk mitigation measures can comprise a management approach where failure of the rock face is permitted, but the consequences of a rockfall are managed. This can be achieved through the installation of warning systems, rockfall netting or catch fences. Alternatively, an engineered solution can be sought, typically comprising the removal of the hazard or a reduction in the likelihood of a rockfall. Examples of remedial works adopting this approach would include scaling, installation of ground anchors or the application of sprayed concrete.

Installation and subsequent maintenance of any remedial works should be undertaken by a specialist with experience of working in potentially exposed locations on an unstable rock face. Careful consideration needs to be given to access requirements and the safety of the workforce and third parties. It is, therefore, essential that a full risk assessment is undertaken at the design stage and reviewed throughout construction.