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© Geobrugg Gruppe, CH-8590 Romanshorn, Switzerland Maintenance manual RXE, GBE / 09
III FUNCTIONAL EFFICIENCY OF THE BARRIER SYSTEMS
The system functionality is based on rockfall tests that replicate real-life conditions, performed in Walenstadt (SG),
Switzerland, in accordance with the European Guideline ETAG 027 “Falling Rock Protection Kits” and the Swiss
guideline for type-testing rockfall protection kits. In the rockfall tests under real-life conditions, the rocks are thrown
vertically into the central field of a three-field barrier with a 10 m distance between the posts of each field. An impact
speed of at least 25 m/s is achieved. These investigations are inspected by notified testing centres and obtain
European approval, known as ETA (European Technical Assessment), as well as partly a Swiss inspection certifi-
cate from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).
IV QUALITY CONTROL FOR MAINTENANCE
An inspection of damage should be made using the checklist in the maintenance manual. The maintenance manual
describes in detail the individual steps for how the barriers must be maintained by local contractors. The recording
of damage is, however, always subject to subjective criteria. In the event that doubts should arise for this reason,
the manufacturer should be contacted in order to ensure the continued quality and functional efficiency of the barrier.
V PRODUCT LIABILITY
Rockfall, landslides, debris flows or avalanches are sporadic and unpredictable. The cause may be human (build-
ings etc.), for example, or forces beyond human control (weather, earthquakes, etc.). The multiplicity of factors
that may trigger such events means that guaranteeing the safety of persons and property is not an exact science.
However, the risks of injury and loss of property can be substantially reduced by appropriate calculations that apply
good engineering practices, and by using predictable parameters along with the corresponding implementation of
flawless protective measures in identified risk areas.
The monitoring and maintenance of such systems is an absolute requirement to ensure the desired safety level.
System safety can also be compromised through events, natural disasters, inadequate dimensioning or failure to
use standard components, systems and original parts, but also through corrosion (caused by environmental pollu-
tion or other man-made factors as well as other external influences).
In contrast to the 1:1 rockfall tests, which indeed test an extreme load case but still only demonstrate a standard-
ized situation, in the field the layout and design of a protection system can vary greatly because of the topogra-
phy. The influence of such alterations and adaptations cannot always be determined exactly. Critical points are,
for example, post spacing, changes in direction, placement angle of the rope anchors, and the direction and ve-
locity of impact.
Geobrugg can assist with estimating the influence of larger deviations and special situations, and can offer recom-
mendations for feasible solutions. Geobrugg cannot, however, guarantee the same behaviour as in the 1:1 rockfall
tests. In critical cases, it is advisable to reinforce particular components as compared with the standard barrier.
