Rockfall Embankments
2020
SAAS BALEN - VALAIS - Switzerland
Interalp Bau AG, Visp
SAAS BALEN
SAAS BALEN_0
SAAS BALEN_1
SAAS BALEN_2
SAAS BALEN_3
SAAS BALEN_4
SAAS BALEN_5
Problem
The residents of Saas-Balen are familiar with the natural hazard situation on site: Rockfall in summer and snow avalanches in the winter time. The village has been threatened by rockfall for years. The engineers and the community decided to build a rockfall embankment.
Solution
Maccaferri proposed using the greenable, environmentally friendly, modular Green Terramesh earth reinforcement system. Green Terramesh consists of pre-assembled units of double-twisted wire mesh, a geosynthetic or biodegradable erosion protection mat and a welded steel mesh. The new 380 m long and 8 m high rockfall embankment will not only protect the residents and their houses, but also the beautiful round church and a busy hiking trail.