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.
Understanding 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.
Unlike draped mesh, pinned systems actively hold material in place, making them ideal for slopes adjacent to critical infrastructure.
This technique is used in our services for:
Drilling 
Mesh & Barrier Systems 
Rock Anchoring 
Rope Access Typical Applications
How It Works
Our proven methodology ensures consistent, high-quality results for every installation.
Surface Preparation
Scaling removes loose material and prepares the slope face for mesh installation.
Mesh Placement
Mesh panels are laid against the rock face and contoured to slope geometry.
Bolt Installation
Rock bolts or dowels penetrate through mesh washers into competent rock at designed spacing.
Tensioning & Testing
The system locks loose material in place; bolts are torqued and tested to verify performance.
Key Advantages
Active Stabilization
Pinned mesh actively restrains loose blocks, preventing movement rather than just guiding debris.
Higher Factor of Safety
The combination of mesh containment and rock bolt reinforcement provides redundant protection.
Flexible Design
Bolt patterns and mesh types can be optimized for specific geological conditions and risk levels.
Long Service Life
Galvanized and coated mesh with grouted bolts provides 75+ year design life with minimal maintenance.
Aesthetic Options
Mesh can be colored or designed to blend with natural surroundings where visual impact matters.
Technical Considerations
Soil/Rock Conditions
Requires competent rock or soil for bolt anchorage. Rock quality determines bolt length and spacing. Mesh type selected based on expected block sizes.
Groundwater
Mesh systems allow free drainage. Weep drains or horizontal drains may be integrated for slopes with significant groundwater.
Load Capacity
System capacity depends on mesh strength and bolt pattern. High-tensile mesh with close bolt spacing handles large blocks and high loads.
Spacing
Bolt pattern spacing typically 6-10 ft based on rock quality designation (RQD) and mesh strength. Tighter spacing for fractured zones.
Installation Method
Mesh contoured to slope face, bolts drilled through mesh apertures, plates and nuts torqued to design load, seams laced with high-strength clips.
Equipment Used
- Track-mounted or rope-access drill rigs
- Mesh handling and positioning equipment
- Torque wrenches for plate installation
- Seaming clips and lacing tools
- Load testing equipment
Limitations
- More drilling required than draped systems
- Higher installation cost than passive containment
- Pre-scaling required for effective mesh contact
- Irregular surfaces may require supplemental filling
Technical Specifications
System Variations
High-Tensile Mesh Systems
TECCO and similar high-strength mesh for maximum containment capacity and durability.
Best For:
- Large block retention
- Critical infrastructure
- High-risk zones
Standard Galvanized Mesh
Double-twist wire mesh for general slope protection at economical cost.
Best For:
- Moderate rockfall areas
- Lower-risk slopes
- Large area coverage
Hybrid Pinned + Draped
Pinned mesh near roadway with transition to draped mesh on upper slopes.
Best For:
- Variable slope conditions
- Cost-optimized designs
- Phased construction
Mesh + Shotcrete Integration
Mesh installed as reinforcement layer beneath subsequent shotcrete application.
Best For:
- Structural facing
- Weathering protection
- Aesthetic requirements
Integration With Other Systems
Rock Bolting
Rock bolts provide anchorage for mesh while simultaneously reinforcing the underlying rock mass.
Learn More
Shotcrete Stabilization
Mesh serves as reinforcement for shotcrete facing, creating an integrated structural system.
Learn More
Horizontal Drains
Drains relieve groundwater pressure behind the mesh-stabilized face.
Learn More
Rock Scaling
Pre-installation scaling ensures mesh contacts the slope face for effective containment.
Learn MoreExample Project Types
- Highway cut slope protection
- Railroad corridor stabilization
- Tunnel portal reinforcement
- Mining highwall containment
- Bridge abutment protection
- Quarry face stabilization
- Dam spillway protection
Our Work in Action
Why Choose Rock Supremacy for Pinned Mesh
High-Precision Drilling
Accurate bolt placement through mesh apertures ensures design performance in all geological conditions.
Rope-Access Capability
Our certified crews install pinned mesh on vertical and overhanging faces where conventional access is impossible.
Fast Mobilization
48-hour emergency response capability for active rockfall sites threatening critical infrastructure.
Integrated Design
We combine mesh, bolting, drainage, and shotcrete for comprehensive multi-system solutions.
Quality Assurance
Every bolt is tested to verify design load, with complete documentation for owner records.
Our Work
See how we've applied this technique and others to solve real-world geotechnical challenges.
Bingham Canyon Mine Support
Highwall stabilization in one of the world's largest open-pit mines to ensure safe ongoing extraction.
I-70 Corridor Stabilization
Installed 50,000 sq ft of high-tensile mesh and performed extensive scaling after a major weather event.
Lava Hot Springs Slope Stabilization
Multi-phase slope stabilization project protecting the historic hot springs resort and Highway 30 from an active landslide.
Pinned Mesh Systems FAQ
Client Testimonials
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Related Techniques
Explore other engineering methods we use to deliver comprehensive geotechnical solutions.
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.
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.
Structural Shotcrete
Structural shotcrete is high-strength, reinforced concrete applied pneumatically to create durable retaining walls, tunnel linings, and slope support systems. Engineered to carry significant loads, it provides monolithic construction that conforms to irregular surfaces.
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.