Paul’s Hill Windfarm Rockfall Protection & Slope Stabilisation

The primary access route to Paul’s Hill Windfarm in Aberdeenshire runs through a narrow rock cutting carved into the rolling landscape. This critical infrastructure corridor is essential for both construction and ongoing operations, yet the steep rock faces on either side created a significant rockfall hazard. The instability of the cutting posed a continuous risk to vehicles and site personnel, with the potential for falling debris to obstruct access or cause serious safety incidents. Due to the combination of steep slopes, exposed rock, and geological variability, the location was identified as a high-risk area requiring a robust slope stabilisation and rockfall protection solution.

A comprehensive geotechnical assessment was carried out to determine the rock mass characteristics and identify zones most susceptible to failure. The analysis highlighted areas where sliding and toppling failures were likely, particularly where large rock blocks increased the risk of high-energy rockfall events. These findings informed the design of a targeted rockfall mitigation system capable of delivering both high strength and long-term durability.

To provide full coverage across the slope, Maccaferri PVC-coated rockfall netting was installed as a primary protective layer, ensuring effective containment of loose material and preventing smaller-scale rockfalls. In the most critical sections, where the risk of large block detachment was greatest, Maccaferri high-strength HEA panels were applied over the netting to deliver enhanced impact resistance and structural reinforcement.

In areas where the rock cutting transitioned into boulder-rich Glacial Till, the design approach incorporated both slope stabilisation and environmental restoration. To support vegetation growth while maintaining erosion control, Maccaferri MacMat® R was installed in place of traditional rockfall netting. This allowed for the re-establishment of natural vegetation, improving both the visual integration of the slope and its long-term stability.

This integrated solution successfully combined advanced rockfall protection systems with sustainable erosion control measures, ensuring safe access to the windfarm while aligning with environmental and landscape considerations.