Netting

The A38 dual carriageway bypass at Liskeard in Cornwall, constructed in 1976, features a deep rock cutting through Devonian slate. To stabilise the excavation, engineers installed a retaining wall system consisting of anchored concrete kingposts spaced at 3-metre intervals, with precast concrete panels spanning between them. The void behind the structure was backfilled with loosely compacted granular material. Designed by Freeman Fox & Partners, the system delivered long-term performance and structural stability for several decades. However, routine inspection and monitoring of the A38 retaining wall identified emerging structural concerns. While the ground-anchored concrete kingposts remained in good condition, several precast concrete panels began to show signs of localised deterioration and reduced strength. This raised safety concerns, particularly the risk of concrete spalling or falling debris onto the carriageway below, posing a hazard to motorists and requiring urgent remediation.

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In 2024 supermarket chain Aldi secured planning permission to construct a new store in a disused former quarry on Dale Road in Matlock, Derbyshire, creating 50 new jobs for the local economy and providing the area with its first discounted food outlet. To maximise the footprint of the new development, the store needed to be build in close proximity to the former quarry wall which following a rock face assessment had shown signs of weathering and the potential for rockfall events that could cause damage to the new building and also present a risk of injury to customers using the store. Project designers therefore identified the need for rockfall protection measures and selected a draped netting system as the most most appropriate way of preventing rockfall from impacting on the buildings, surrounding infrastructure and customers using the new store. An ecological review of the site also revealed the presence of bat roosts which would need to be accommodated with access points incorporated within the proposed rockfall netting system.

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Maccaferri were approached by leading civil engineering contractor Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd to provide an effective rockfall protection solution for a high-risk site. The steep rockface presented a significant hazard, with the potential for falling debris to impact nearby properties and endanger residents. A comprehensive assessment of the rockface condition and site topography highlighted the need for a reliable rockfall mitigation system capable of controlling loose material and preventing uncontrolled rockfall events. The solution required not only immediate risk reduction but also long-term durability, low maintenance, and compliance with recognised industry standards.

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