Geoquest offers both passive and active engineered structural solutions that mitigate rockfall risk and control levels of damage.

Passive rockfall protection

Rockfall protection barriers

Reinforced Earth’s passive rockfall protection barriers are made of metallic, non-metallic and/or composite materials.

Recently, full scale testing by Geoquest in 2020 entailed releasing a giant 12.4-tonne block from a height of 41m and impacting the 3 meters thick structure resulting in an impact of 5.1 megajoules (video available below). The narrow bund successfully absorbed the energy from the impact, pushing the limits of soil-structure interaction to a new level and establishing a world-record for a reinforced soil structure.

Sheds and galleries

Rockfall sheds using TechSpan® precast arches. Adjoining retaining walls built within narrow excavation limits are often designed using TechWall™ or T-Wall®.

Geoquest‘s passive rockfall protection barrier can be used as an efficient alternative to more traditional and costly mitigation measures and presents many benefits:

  • Cost efficient compared to similar rigid barriers
  • Effective for confined and open channels
  • Easy clean out and maintenance
  • Does not affect sediment flow under non-event conditions
  • Low aesthetic impact on landscape

Active rockfall protection

Rockfall protection nets

Geoquest also design engineered solutions and supply materials for the construction of active protection using our wire mesh protective netting solution in combination with TerraNail™ soil nails and TerraAnchor™ soil anchors. Our protective netting solution consists of either high-tensile nets (grade > 800MPa) or generic products like gabion mesh or welded wire mesh.

Geoquest also provides drapery rockfall protection solutions. It is a flexible membrane that supports superficial pressure generated by the potential unstable ground mass or debris flow, categorised in two types:

  • High tensile mesh made of coated wires having minimum tensile strength of 1770MPa
  • Rectangular mesh made of coated wires having minimum tensile strength of 400 MPa.

These are available in different diameters and mesh strengths depending on the geology and geometry of the slope to be protected.

Our solutions are proven to be:

  • Easy and rapid to install
  • Sustainable with high safety standard
  • Highly durable

“I have worked with Geoquest on two previous projects and both times have exceeded my expectation. I find the product easy to work with, quick for construction and a good final product, looking the part. There is a good turn around time from the Geoquest team and always have answered any queries I have had. I would definitely use them again.”

Patrick Goodwin, Section Engineer, Graham Construction

“Excellent Service, system and simple to build – would always recommend”

J Millar, Project Manager, Osborne Infrastructure

“The design and materials supplied by Geoquest for the new Velindre Cancer Centre bridge was excellent, providing a high-quality product at a competitive price. The technical assistance with both the design and installation was highly commendable leading to a very high standard structure upon completion.

We would thoroughly recommend Geoquest for any retained earth projects and will recommend early engagement on future projects to utilise their vast technical knowledge for value engineering.”

Tom Morris, Project Manager, Walters

“Having used Geoquest for the provision of a reinforced earth wall system on a new highway scheme I found them to be very helpful and easy to work with in the run up to construction and also throughout the construction. The quality of the final product was very good and looks well now that the work is complete and open to traffic.”

Dave Mantle, Senior Site Manager, Octavius

“Osborne Infrastructure selected Geoquest due to their reputation and expertise. They delivered on both. They provided both the design and the fabrication of the reinforced earth abutments for the M27 Romsey Road bridge on time and within budget. Design changes due to unforeseen site conditions were dealt with efficiently with expert advice on hand to ensure we produced the right solution for our client Highways England.

I would be more than happy to recommend Geoquest and would make them my go to specialist for this type of work.”

M Whale, Senior Site Manager, Osborne Infrastructure

Engineering expertise and 120 years or more of service life

Geoquest offers unrivalled engineering expertise to provide you with the best design and supply package, coupled to commercial excellence that will make your next road development project a success.

Guaranteeing long-term life duration and minimum necessity for maintenance of the infrastructure is of outmost importance, and our designs are optimised based on the service life that is required.

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