Barriers, drape mesh, and attenuator fences — passive containment systems engineered to intercept and absorb falling debris.
Passive rockfall containment systems intercept and absorb material that has already detached from the rock face — complementing the active stabilisation (bolting, scaling, mesh) that prevents detachment at the source. Most permanent rockfall mitigation programmes combine both: active measures that reduce the hazard at its origin, and passive containment that manages residual risk. GSI NZ designs and installs the full suite: from high-energy-rated barriers to drape mesh and attenuator fences.
All containment systems are specified to the results of site-specific rockfall trajectory modelling and energy analysis carried out by our in-house geotechnical engineers. This means every system is sized for the actual design event at the actual site — not a generic catalogue specification. GSI NZ installs barriers rated to 8,000 kJ and above, the highest energy class available in New Zealand, and our IRATA rope access crews can install all system components on cliff faces and steep slopes with no road or platform access.
SYSTEM TYPES
ENGINEERING APPROACH
THE GSI DIFFERENCE
Step 1
Before selecting a containment system, we model probable rockfall trajectories and energies at the proposed system location. This defines the required energy class for barriers and the optimal position for fences and drape mesh.
Step 2
Based on trajectory outputs, we specify the appropriate system: energy-rated barrier, drape mesh, or attenuator fence. All systems are sized and positioned to manage the design event at the site, not a generic catalogue specification.
Step 3
Our crews install all containment systems in-house: barrier foundation works, net panels, rope connections, and anchor testing. Every installation includes a commissioning inspection and full documentation on completion.
CASE STUDY
The Ohau Point section of SH1 on the Kaikōura coast is exposed to persistent rockfall from steep cliff faces above the carriageway. The site's coastal location and constrained corridor limited the options available for containment system placement.
GSI NZ carried out trajectory modelling specific to the Ohau Point cliff geometry to determine the energy class and optimal barrier location. Installation of the passive containment system was carried out by our IRATA rope access crews working from the cliff crest and face, providing long-term protection for this critical coastal highway link.
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Passive rockfall containment on the Kaikōura coast SH1 corridor.
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118 rock anchors and Geobrugg TECCO mesh, helicopter-access stabilisation north of Auckland.
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Rockfall mitigation on one of New Zealand's most challenging remote highway corridors.
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From catchment fences to draped mesh and attenuator systems, we design and install rockfall containment that's engineered for your specific hazard.
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