Maccaferri Rockfall Netting
Maccaferri Ltd, specialists in retaining structures, erosion protection and slope reinforcement, has played a significant role in preserving unique exposed rock formations on the North Tyneside coastline. The cliff face above Brown’s Bay promenade, near Whitley Bay, has been stabilised and covered with Maccaferri’s rockfall netting to prevent further erosion and rock falls.
The cliffs, which are up to 10 metres in height, comprise coal measures strata laid down in the carboniferous era. The sandstones of the cyclic sequence have good examples of cross current bedding at the promenade level. Designated a geological site of special scientific interest, any proposed schemes require the consent of English Nature before construction work can be undertaken.
Through time, agents of natural weathering destabilised the rock outcrops leading to a major rock fall and North Tyneside Council closed the promenade until the outcrops could be stabilised and made safe to the public. Consulting Engineer, Scott Doherty Associates of Consett were appointed to develop a solution and supervise the installation.
The solution, developed with North Tyneside Council and English Nature which is the principal body responsible for approving works within SSSI sites, required a combination of scaling, rock bolting, buttressing and rock meshing works. Maccaferri’s rockfall netting was specified for the rock catchment mesh, which is the primary means of ensuring the public’s safety against future weathered rock fragments falling from height.
Stafford-based geo-technical and rope access specialist contractor Total Access (UK) Ltd undertook the installation work. As the works progressed, smaller Finch species started using the secured mesh as natural protection and were nesting whilst the works were on-going. The works are now complete and the promenade is again open to the public
Commenting on the final solution, Dave Moat from the Environmental Services Department at North Tyneside Council said: “Maccaferri’s rockfall netting is unobtrusive against the cliff face and the final visual effect exceeded all expectation. The mesh’s neutral grey colour does not detract from the natural beauty of the outcrops whilst providing protection for the public, which is perfect for our needs and those of English Nature.”
Maccaferri rockfall netting has the same characteristics as that used for its well-established box gabions. A double-twist, hexagonal mesh of PVC and Galfan coated steel wire, it is strong enough to withstand the force of falling rocks and unlike chain-link mesh, does not unravel should some of the wires break. Enhanced corrosion protection from the salt spray is provided by the use of Galfan coating. A 5% aluminium/zinc mischmetal, it provides enhanced corrosion protection characteristics when compared to conventional galvanising
The UK arm of the Maccaferri Industrial Group, headquartered in Italy, Maccaferri Ltd specialises in retaining structures, soil reinforcement, erosion protection, pavements, bio-engineering, basal platforms, waste containment and rockfall engineering. It supplies a very wide range of products including gabions, geotextiles, geogrids and geomats. In addition to a full range of products for retaining structures, slope reinforcement and erosion protection, the company offers an in-house design and consulting service and a design and construct service.
