ROCKFALL PROTECTION AT SIMPANG PULAI, PERAK, MALAYSIA

Several rockfall incidents were reported along the road between Simpang Pulai and Cameron Highland. Based on the geohazard assessment, four locations were identified as high hazard, hence requiring rockfall intervention measures. Pintas Utama Sdn Bhd approached Maccaferri to assist in the selection of rockfall protection structures. 

Based on the rockfall trajectory analysis, the design energy level required is 2000 kJ. Flexible barrier with post height of 4m in installed over 500m span. The work was completed within 6 months. Maccaferri flexible barrier achieved Category A of ETAG27 category, which is the best performance when it comes to residual height after impact. In addition to the performance, the barrier kit is easy to install and it makes it ideal for use at locations with restricted access. In addition, a simple drapery system using Maccaferri Steel Grid High Resistance (SG HR) netting was placed on the bottom half of the rock slope. SG HR steel composite system combined double twisted mesh with interwoven high-strength steel vertical rope to enhance the transfer of the load into the anchorage system. The draped mesh is hung freely from a support cable along the crest, pinned with anchors. The overall component was sized using MacRO 2, according to the required debris volume allowed during the service life.