Rockfall barriers absorb energy by deforming; after an impact the line may still look intact while its capacity has dropped. A component-by-component checklist for acceptance inspection, periodic inspection and post-event repair.
Why inspect
While a flexible rockfall barrier stops a block, the braking elements open, the support ropes stretch and the net deforms. This shows that the system worked as designed; it does not mean it will meet the next block with the same capacity. The class in the specification (MEL/SEL under EAD 340059) applies to the system in new condition; a used braking element or a full net does not carry that class.
Installation errors are the second reason: a missing or loose rope clip, a clip fitted the wrong way round, a nut not torqued, a plate not seated on the anchor head. None of these can be seen from a distance; at acceptance they are checked item by item.
Component checklist
| Component | Checked | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Anchors and base plates | Seating of the plate on the ground, mortar, cracks, scour | Pull-out test where the specification requires it; nut torque |
| Posts | Inclination, base hinge, impact marks, buckling | Vertical and horizontal deviation |
| Support and retaining ropes | Number and orientation of clips, rope end length, crushing, broken wires | Clip torque; sag |
| Braking elements | Signs of opening, ring deformation | Elongation, against the manufacturer's limit |
| Net and secondary mesh | Tears, opened rings, missing connectors, accumulated material | Residual height |
| Coating | White rust, red rust, mechanical scratches | Affected area; corrosivity category note |
| Surroundings | Erosion, vegetation, drainage, new source area | Photographic comparison |
| Tag plate | In place, legible, QR code works | — |
When
- Acceptance inspection at the end of installation; the result is entered on the line's barrier tag as "installation".
- Periodic inspection at the interval on the tag (default 12 months); more often in active source areas.
- Event inspection after an impact, flood, earthquake or a monitoring device notification.
For service levels, inspection method and reporting, see the inspection, maintenance and service life page. We also work on other manufacturers' systems; spare parts are matched to the manufacturer. For document and installation review, ID tag and monitoring, see rockfall barrier monitoring.
For a quotation, use the contact page; sharing the location and length of the line and any project documents is enough.