Rockfall Mitigation
Comprehensive rockfall protection systems that safeguard highways, railways, structures, and communities from falling rock hazards through active stabilization and passive containment.
Understanding Rockfall Mitigation
Effective rockfall mitigation combines hazard reduction at the source with protection systems that catch what does release. We start with rock scaling to remove loose and overhanging material—eliminating immediate hazards before they become rockfall events. Where controlled removal isn't sufficient, blasting takes down larger unstable masses safely.
For ongoing protection, we design and install systems matched to each site's rockfall characteristics. High-energy rockfall barriers intercept fast-moving rocks with energy ratings up to 10,000 kJ—certified to European ETAG 027 standards. Standard rockfall barriers handle typical highway and railway applications. Draped mesh systems guide falling debris to catchment areas at the slope toe. Mid-slope attenuators reduce rock energy before barrier impact on tall slopes.
Active stabilization addresses rockfall at the source. Pinned mesh systems secured with rock bolts prevent detachment of weathered surface material. TECCO mesh provides high-strength active stabilization for difficult rock conditions. Cable anchors and wire rope netting secure large blocks and rock masses.
Our mesh and barrier systems service brings together certified installation crews, rope access capabilities for vertical terrain, and in-house engineering. We're certified installers for major barrier manufacturers worldwide. For sites requiring structural approaches, structural shotcrete seals weathered faces, and gabion baskets provide flexible catchment and slope protection.
When Rockfall Mitigation Is Needed
You may need rockfall mitigation when you observe: loose or fractured rock on steep slopes; recent rockfall events or debris accumulation at the slope base; freeze-thaw damage, post-fire cracking, or newly exposed faces; erosion or undercutting at the slope toe; overhangs or key blocks visible from the roadway; or infrastructure located directly beneath a rock face. If even small blocks reach a roadway or facility, the risk of a major rockfall event is already present.
Without proper intervention, these conditions typically worsen over time. Early assessment and appropriate remediation can prevent costly emergency repairs and protect the assets and people that depend on stable ground.
Common Causes
- Freeze-thaw weathering and ice jacking in fractures
- Root penetration wedging blocks apart
- Water infiltration reducing friction on joint surfaces
- Seismic activity and vibration from blasting or traffic
- Post-wildfire thermal fracturing and deterioration
- Chemical weathering and mineral dissolution
- Natural joint expansion and block detachment
- Stress relief from adjacent excavation or erosion
- Construction activities disturbing slope geometry
- Erosion or undercutting at slope toe
Layered Protection Strategy
We employ a combination of active and passive systems to provide comprehensive rockfall protection. Active systems stabilize rock at the source to prevent detachment. Passive systems intercept and contain rocks that do release. Most sites benefit from multiple layers of protection working together.
Hazard Assessment & Trajectory Analysis
Our geologists conduct detailed slope assessments to identify unstable rock masses, evaluate failure potential, and model rockfall trajectories. We use Colorado Rockfall Simulation Program (CRSP) and similar software to predict bounce heights, velocities, and impact energies at potential barrier locations.
System Design & Engineering
Based on hazard assessment and trajectory modeling, we design protection systems that match the energy levels, trajectory heights, and site constraints. Design considers rock block sizes, drop heights, slope geometry, and required catchment effectiveness for cost-optimized protection.
Source Treatment & Scaling
Rock scaling removes loose and overhanging material that poses immediate hazard. This reduces the rockfall source volume and can eliminate the most dangerous blocks before they become falling hazards. Scaling is often the first step in any comprehensive rockfall program.
Active Retention Systems
Where feasible, we stabilize loose rock at the source using rock bolts, anchors, cable lashing, and pinned mesh systems. Active retention prevents initial detachment—the most effective form of protection because rocks never become projectiles.
Passive Catchment Systems
Barrier fences, catch ditches, attenuator systems, and draped mesh intercept and contain rocks that do release. Barrier selection matches site-specific energy requirements from trajectory analysis. Systems are positioned to maximize catchment effectiveness.
Installation & Commissioning
Certified crews install systems per manufacturer specifications and engineering design. All connections, tensioning, and anchoring are verified. Post-installation inspection confirms proper installation for warranty and performance assurance.
How We Deliver
Our field services deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific site conditions and requirements.
Why Choose Rock Supremacy
Techniques We Use
Proven engineering methods that deliver long-term stability and protection.
Blasting & Boulder Busting
Controlled blasting breaks rock in a precise, predictable manner for excavation, scaling, access road construction, and geotechnical stabilization. When performed by trained specialists, blasting creates clean rock faces, removes hazardous overhangs, and improves slope geometry for long-term stability.
Cable Anchors
Cable anchors (also known as strand anchors or post-tensioned anchors) provide high-capacity reinforcement for slopes, retaining systems, cut faces, and rock masses. These anchors transfer load deep into competent ground, offering reliable, long-term stabilization.
Draped Mesh Systems
Draped mesh systems control loose rockfall by capturing debris and guiding it downslope to a safe catchment area. Unlike pinned mesh, draped systems are not rigidly attached to the entire slope—allowing them to manage high volumes of material efficiently.
High-Energy Rockfall Barriers
High-energy barriers provide advanced rockfall protection for slopes where large blocks, high drop heights, or extreme impact forces exceed conventional barrier capacity. These systems absorb up to 10,000 kJ through flexible ring nets, energy-dissipating brakes, and engineered post foundations.
Mid-Slope Attenuators
Mid-slope attenuators are hybrid rockfall protection systems positioned partway down a slope to intercept falling rocks before they gain full momentum, reducing energy and enabling more efficient catchment at the base.
Pinned Mesh Systems
Pinned mesh systems combine steel mesh with rock bolts or dowels to create a secure, reinforced slope surface. This containment system prevents loose blocks from detaching and provides long-term stability in both civil and mining applications.
Rock Bolting
Rock bolting stabilizes fractured, jointed, or unstable rock masses by anchoring steel bars deep into competent rock. By tying loose blocks back to stable substrate, rock bolts improve the overall strength and cohesion of slopes, cuts, tunnels, and vertical faces.
Rock Scaling
Rock scaling removes loose, hazardous material from rock slopes to prevent rockfall before it occurs. Using rope-access crews, excavators, and specialized tools, scaling is often the first and most essential step in any rockfall mitigation program.
Rockfall Barriers & Fences
Engineered catch systems that intercept falling rock or debris before it reaches roadways, railways, or infrastructure. These high-energy systems absorb and dissipate impact energy safely through deformable components.
TECCO Mesh System
TECCO mesh is a high-tensile steel wire mesh engineered for slope stabilization. With significantly greater strength than standard mesh, TECCO systems stabilize fractured rock, weathered slopes, and loose debris by creating a continuous, reinforced surface anchored with rock bolts or soil nails.
Wire Rope Netting
Wire rope netting provides high-strength surface stabilization for steep, fractured, or unstable rock slopes. Built from interwoven steel cables, this system offers exceptional durability and energy absorption—making it ideal for demanding rockfall environments.
Industries Impacted
We serve these sectors with specialized expertise in their unique challenges and regulatory requirements.
Our Work
See how we've delivered this solution for clients across the country.
I-70 Corridor Stabilization
Installed 50,000 sq ft of high-tensile mesh and performed extensive scaling after a major weather event.
Ketchum-Challis Highway Scaling
Large-scale rock scaling and mesh installation along 3 miles of Highway 75 through the Sawtooth Mountains.
US-89 Logan Canyon Rockfall Project
Comprehensive rockfall mitigation combining attenuator fences, draped mesh, and rock bolting along a scenic mountain corridor.
Rockfall Mitigation FAQ
Our Service Area
Rock Supremacy operates from strategic bases in Oregon and Tennessee, giving us coast-to-coast reach with direct access to the western mountains, central corridors, and the southeastern rockfall hot zones. Our teams are licensed, equipped, and trained to mobilize anywhere in the Lower 48, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the Caribbean.
If rock is moving, sliding, cracking, sloughing, or threatening a critical asset, we can be on-site within 48 hours for emergency response. Our crews arrive with the equipment, engineering support, and shotcrete/ground-stabilization systems required to stop the problem—not just manage it.
Where We Work
- United States: Lower 48 + Alaska
- Territories: Puerto Rico
- International: Canada + Caribbean
- Remote and rugged access
Our Strategy
- Two operational bases
- Rapid emergency dispatch
- Certified technicians
- Full-scale capability on arrival
Western Division (HQ)
Eastern Division
About Rock Supremacy
Rock Supremacy is North America's premier geotechnical contractor specializing in rockfall mitigation and slope stabilization. Our team combines technical expertise with uncompromising safety standards.
From the steep canyons of Colorado to the coastal bluffs of California, we've developed proven methodologies for stabilizing slopes and protecting critical infrastructure. Our crews are trained to work in the most demanding vertical environments.
Our Safety Record
We maintain a safety-first culture because we believe every worker deserves to go home safe at the end of the day. This commitment to safety has earned us the trust of DOTs, mining companies, and energy providers across the country.
All crew members receive ongoing training in high-angle rescue, fall protection, and hazard recognition. We conduct daily safety briefings and maintain rigorous equipment inspection protocols.
Client Testimonials
Trusted by DOTs, engineering firms, and property owners nationwide.
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