When dealing with the danger of falling rocks, slides or avalanches, it is of outmost importance a detailed collection of accurate data.

This is achieved thanks to a scrupulous physical inspection of the site followed by a rigorous photographic and planimetric survey in order to proceed with an accurate plan of action.

The preparatory phase of any rock face stabilization work involves the clearing, demolition, and possible removal of rock masses that are in precarious or potentially unstable conditions.

This type of “cleaning” can be performed either by mean of manual lever, hydraulic equipment, non-explosive chemicals and of course explosives.

In instances when rocky surfaces and slopes lack the necessary cohesion force it is recommended to perform active consolidation by applying frame-works of metallic net and metallic panels in order to restore compactness to the surface.

This type of solution is widely used in a variety of environmental situations where rocky surfaces are present. Such kind of work guarantees the control of rocky material of different sizes: from small to medium to large.

The same technique is also recommended when dealing with loose terrains, to be performed prior the positioning of natural mats that will allow grass growth by means of naturalistic engineering.

In areas with potential risks of rockfalls, landslides, or avalanches, collecting data on the actual conditions is essential for the development of a reliable stabilization project.

Based on the data gathered through site inspections, photographic surveys, and topographic mapping, it is possible to define and design appropriate stabilization measures.

High-energy absorption vertical barriers—both flexible, made of rope mesh panels, and rigid, consisting of continuous longitudinal cables covered with wire mesh—represent the most reliable forms of passive protection against rockfalls and avalanches.
Thanks to their modular construction, they can be transported by air and assembled quickly.

The natural detachment of rocky plates and the consequent landslide can be avoided by transferring gravitational tension over to steel bars and steel strands inserted into holes previously created by special drilling machines that can easily reach the substrate of the terrain where the necessary cohesion is found.

Once insertion is completed, a mixture of water, cement and additives is poured inside the holes guaranteeing solidification.

The hydro geological adjustment in mountain areas is the sector where a hundred years ago the traditional use of some techniques of slopes adjustment through the use of logs, stones, live twigs, etc. was born. Those techniques have subsequently developed thanks to the availability of new materials and technologies (adhesive polymers for hydro seeding, geosynthetics, etc..) which enabled to reach the nowadays widespread application of bioengineering.

Not secondary in this process is the increasing environmental awareness at all levels, both technical/administrative and social/political.

The major practiced bioengineering techniques are:

- Seeding, hydro seeding and plantations setting;
- Organic and synthetic mats, sometimes combined with networks;
- live wickers and steps;
- live logs stockades and gratings;
- Palisades;
- Grid constructions;
- Wooden and stone bridles;
- Revived gabions and mattresses;
- Green reinforced soil;
- Avalanches and rockfall barriers through embankment revegetation with grass and shrub species.

Modern mining operations must comply with strict environmental guidelines to ensure the restoration of the mining area to its original condition—or even to an improved environmental state compared to when extraction began.
DAPAM S.r.l. is equipped to help you meet these rigorous standards.

Rockfall and debris prevention and protection are essential in every mining site, and ensuring the safety of on-site personnel is the top priority.

DAPAM S.r.l. offers a wide range of protection and stabilization systems against landslides and ground failures, both active and passive.
Active stabilization is carried out through the installation of high-strength steel meshes and rope panels.