Slope stabilisation of rock faces involves the containment of possible rock detachment. This intervention is classified as an "active" protection at the source and is designed to perform the following functions:

• Prevent detachment of rock (1 - 1.5m³ size)
• Protect roads and buildings at the base of a man made cutting or natural slope
• Contain smaller rock as normally performed in standard drapery solutions.

The selection of the appropriate mesh system to be used with the rock bolts is dependent on the rock size, joint structure and potential sliding planes. The overall system consists of anchorage points (rock bolts), steel cable panels, steel cables and mesh netting. In order to determine the right size of the overall system one must assess:

• Required stiffness of the system
• Shear strength at the anchorage points  

Maccaferri offers both Steelgrid and HEA panels to satisfy the tensile strength, stiffness and long term durability requirements of the site. The Steelgrid or HEA panels work in combination with the rock anchors to stabilise the loose rock face at low deformations. MAC.RO 1 software calculates the mesh type required and expected deformation based on the anchor spacing.