BMP Rockfall Netting or drapery systems, made from double-twisted “DT” steel wire mesh or hexagonal wire mesh, are designed to control rockfall. They direct falling debris toward a collection area at the slope’s base to protect structures. Often used as ‘drapery,’ DT mesh serves as a protective barrier on slopes. It captures any rocks and debris that come loose from the slope. The open wire mesh structure also promotes natural slope recovery after repairs by encouraging vegetation regrowth.
Panel Dimensions
Applications Rockfall Netting DT wire mesh hexagonal
Securing roads, buildings, and other infrastructure at cliff bases is challenging for engineers. Debris and rocks often fall due to deteriorating rock formations, affected by plant growth, thermal expansion, wind, freeze-thaw cycles, hydrostatic pressure, and seismic activities. Engineers typically use BMP Rockfall Netting for slope stabilization, rockfall protection, and surface protection.
On moderately steep slopes or those supporting some vegetation, place the mesh as close to the slope as possible. On very steep or nearly vertical slopes, securely anchor the netting at the cliff top and leave it unanchored at the bottom. This allows rocks and debris to gather in a ditch at the base. It’s crucial to ensure safe and continuous anchorage at the top.
![]() Galvanized rockfall barrier protects slopes against rock fall from the mountain |
![]() Workers are fixing hexagonal wire netting rockfall barrier |
![]() Rockfall barrier fixed with anchors, bolts, and steel cables. |
![]() Galvanized hexagonal wire netting for river slope reinforcing |
Here are the top 8 reasons why you should choose hexagonal wire mesh rockfall netting
- High Flexibility: The hexagonal structure offers excellent flexibility, adapting easily to various terrains and surfaces.
- Durability: Double-twisted steel wire makes the hexagonal wire mesh extremely durable and resistant to damage.
- Energy Absorption: The mesh design absorbs and dissipates energy from falling rocks, reducing impact and damage risk.
- Cost-Effective: Hexagonal wire mesh is inexpensive to install and maintain, offering long-term cost savings.
- Promotes Natural Vegetation: Its open structure lets sunlight and moisture reach the soil, encouraging vegetation growth.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance: This lightweight netting is simple to install and requires minimal maintenance, saving time and money.
- Versatility: Use it in various settings, including mountainous terrains and architectural applications; adaptable as drapery or a barrier.
- Improves Safety: It protects lives and assets from rockfalls, enhancing safety around vulnerable slopes and infrastructure.
Specifications
Characteristic | Specification |
---|---|
Mesh Size | 60 x 80 mm (2.36 x 3.15 inches) |
Nominal Mesh Opening (D) | 60 mm (2.36 inches) |
Wire Diameter | 2.7 mm (0.11 inches) |
Selvedge Wire Diameter | 3.4 mm (0.13 inches) |
Construction | Double Twist |
Number of Mesh Openings, Length | 17 per m (5 per ft) |
Number of Mesh Openings, Width | 13 per m (4 per ft) |
Fastener Diameter | 3.0 mm (0.12 inches) |
Tensile Strength (Wire) | 350 – 550 N/mm² (51 – 80 ksi) |
Elongation | > 10% |
Corrosion Protection | Zn or Zn-Al Galvanized, or Zn-Al with PVC |
Min. Mass of Coating | 245 g/m² (0.80 oz/ft²) |
Coating Class | Class A |
Tensile Strength, Lengthwise | 52 kN/m (3,591 lbf/ft) |
Tensile Strength, Crosswise | 27 kN/m (1,816 lbf/ft) |
Puncture Strength | n/a |
Standard Roll Sizes, Length | 25 m (82 ft) |
Standard Roll Sizes, Width | 3.0 m (9.8 ft) |
Unit Weight | 1.79 kg/m² (0.37 lb/ft²) |
Roll Weight | 134 kg (295 lbs) |
WHY CHOOSE BMP ROCKFALL NETTING?
- Durability and Flexibility: DT (double twist) steel wire mesh makes the product flexible in all directions and keeps it intact even if some wires break.
- Proven Effectiveness: Over 60 years of global use prove its robust, long-lasting, and cost-effective protection against rockfalls.
- Adaptability: It’s flexible and versatile enough to match existing slope and rock profiles.
- Enhanced Coating for Durability: We coat the wires with Galfan galvanizing to Class A standards and can add a Polimac®, a thermally bonded PVC layer, for harsh coastal environments.
- Eco-Friendly: The open wire mesh structure supports the regrowth of vegetation.
- Comprehensive Design Support: BMP offers access to an advanced suite of software at no cost to clients and provides ongoing in-house training and seminars.
component
Rockfall netting is a type of passive protective system made from hexagonal double twisted wire mesh. This double twist design ensures that the mesh can withstand the impact of falling rocks without unraveling if a wire breaks.
Passive systems like this focus on containing and intercepting falling debris rather than stopping the rock detachment process. This helps to protect infrastructure and its users by anchoring the netting at the top of the slope. Depending on project requirements, the bottom may be secured or left unsecured. Standard sizes of the Galmac coated rockfall netting are detailed in Table 1.
Steel Wire Mesh
The steel wire mesh used in rockfall netting has mechanical properties surpassing those specified in EN 10223-3. The nominal tensile strength of this mesh adheres to the values listed in Table 2, with testing compliant with EN 15381, Annex D.
Wire
The steel wire for the netting is heavily galvanized with Galmac, a zinc-5% aluminum alloy. The standard specifications for this mesh are outlined in Table 2.