Construction World September 2016

Continued from page 42

The test involved a vertical drop at least 25 m/s (90 km/h). All GBE barriers are regis- tered with an official ETA approval number and bear the CE conformity marking. GBE barriers up to 3 000 kJ are pre-assembled as standard and delivered to construction sites with suitable nets mounted to the posts. Furthermore the GBE barriers have a consid- erably smaller carbon footprint than concrete galleries or other steel constructions. The RXE barriers had been certified to absorb impacts of up to 8 000 kJ, which equates to a rock weighing 20 metric tonnes travelling at over 100 km/h. RXE barriers have been designed to meet the toughest of challenges, and boasts a low deflection. During maximum impact events, a 1 000 kJ system (RXE-1000) will deflect by only 4,36 m. This implies that the barriers can be installed closer to the object or building to be protected or on traffic routes. It is therefore simple to install. Pre-assem- bled components also speed up the installa- tion process. Geobrugg, a reliable partner It is the task of its engineers (and partners) to analyse the problem together with the client in detail and then, together with local consultants, to present solutions. Painstaking planning is not the only thing you can expect

unrolling down the slope. Up to 30% reduction in installation time have been reported by contractors. The QUAROX® fits unobtrusively on the slopes and can be coloured using power coating to give it an even better visual appeal. The chain link construction of the cable nets offer much better force transmission than traditional connection by cross clips. Standard support ropes, seaming ropes and shackles are used for the installation. Other open pit mines where Geobrugg had supplied material for draping solutions, include Sishen Mine, Venetia Mine and Letseng Mine. Rockfall barriers At other local mines in South Africa, Geobrugg had been involved in the installa- tion of rockfall barriers as another measure to mitigate rockfalls. Rockfall barriers have the advantage that if a stable foundation can be achieved it is possible to effectively protect the area below the fence without the need to access onto the berm and without enlarging berms. Geobrugg’s range of barriers include the GBE and RXE rockfall protection barriers. GBE barriers have passed the approval test in accordance with the ETAG 027 guidelines laid down by the Euro- pean Organisation for Technical Approvals.

Installation of the QUAROX° PLUS rolled cable net.

from them, however; since it has its own production plants on four continents, it can offer not only short delivery paths and times, but also optimal local customer services. With a view towards a trouble-free execution, it delivers pre-assembled and clearly identi- fied system components right to the construc- tion site. There Geobrugg provides support, if desired, including technical support – from installation right on up until acceptance of the structure. Geobrugg’s South African office is based in Honeydew.