MacArmour & SteelGrid

Al Hada City is characterized by steep mountainous terrain, winding roads, and significant elevation changes. Due to the natural geology, fractured rock formations, and steep slopes, the area is highly susceptible to rockfall hazards , particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and temperature variations. These rockfalls pose a serious risk to public safety, road users, and nearby infrastructure , potentially causing traffic disruptions, property damage, and accidents. Existing protective measures are limited and do not provide adequate long-term mitigation against increasing rockfall events. Therefore, the authorities are seeking reliable, durable, and proven rockfall protection solutions that can be effectively installed in challenging mountainous conditions, minimize maintenance, and ensure long-term safety. Maccaferri’s engineered rockfall protection systems are considered a suitable solution to mitigate these risks while preserving the natural landscape of Al Hada City.

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Due to limited real estate locations and the necessity of urban development, new constructions are often being built near new and existing rock slopes which are inherently prone to rockfall. Such is the case for the new Waltham High School in Waltham, MA. Designed to accommodate 1,830 students, a site expansion was needed to accommodate the new building. This created a 120ft high rock wall behind the building, which represented a serious rockfall risk to the students and faculty.

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The study area lies on the southern side of the sandy ridge on which the historic center of Castignano stands, immediately uphill from the arched retaining wall supporting the southern slope of the sandy cliff. The cliff supporting the historic center of Castignano consists of Lower-to-Middle Pliocene sandstone turbidites, represented by well-stratified sands, with clay layers mainly located in the lower part of the formation. The slope stability conditions are influenced by the degree of weathering of the sandy layers. Except for the outer surface band, which has an average thickness of about 2. 0 m, these materials are highly compact and partially cemented and therefore generally ensure stable equilibrium conditions. The weathering action caused by exogenous agents, particularly effective along the middle-to-upper section of the slope that is not protected by the retaining wall, has led to the deterioration of the outer sandy formation, resulting in the development of eroded and fractured wedges in precarious equilibrium conditions. Due to the steep slope gradient and the tectonic characteristics of the area, the ongoing instability develops through two main phenomena: the retreat of the upper edge of the slope, with frequent collapses of portions of it, and the fall of rocks and debris onto the road below, posing a clear risk to people and property. This phenomenon endangers the infrastructure and buildings of the historic center, which are located directly along the edge of the slope.

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