Join us for a unique perspective and discussion of the functionality of rockfall catchment fences  – structures designed to resist large impacts and accommodate large deformations. Though their use for mitigating rockfall hazards has become more commonplace, often, the design team doesn’t have the opportunity to see firsthand how the systems perform since events may occur many years after their installation. In the presented case study, we follow the planning, construction, maintenance, and performance of a 1000 kJ rockfall catchment fence over a 15-year period, including three major events. Such examples provide valuable information for owners and designers alike with regard to realistic expectations and incite for informed decision-making.

Ahren has been working with geohazards for more than 20 years. Since 2006, he has been working with flexible net systems, including avalanche protection systems, rockfall catchment fences, debris flow barriers, and slope stabilization measures. He is also the president of the Association of Geohazard Professionals.