Access can be a significant cost component in geotechnical work, especially where steep slopes or rock faces are involved. By employing roped access techniques, Vertical Technology can dramatically reduce such costs. Many leading consultants and contractors regularly use our geotechnical capability.

For a thorough stability assessment it is essential to investigate all areas of a cliff or slope; the ideal solution is to use geotechnical engineers trained in rope access. Vertical Technology has in-house geotechnical expertise with the capability of undertaking the fieldwork, stability assessments and creating design solutions.

Unstable cliffs and rock faces are areas where roped access teams can operate better than almost any other approach. The sympathetic removal of loose material and vegetation by hand (scaling) will often produce a safer cliff. Large rock masses can be removed safely using expanding grout, where explosives are unsuitable.

As an effective means of rock fall control, correctly installed rock netting and cable restraint provides an excellent solution. Geotextiles provide an effective control of errosion on soft slopes or the highly weathered crest of a rock face. Where the slope becomes steep or extensive, Vertical Technology can solve installation problems.

The long-term stability of a rock face can be improved by the considered use of rock anchorages combined with roped access as the means of gaining the work site. Vertical Technology have the capability to install tensioned anchors and dowels to secure key units and improve overall stability. The choice of anchor will depend on the desired life and use, and may be plain, galvanised, stainless steel, glass fibre, single or double corrosion protection installed to BS8081.

Vertical Technology have designed and built mid-height rock catch fences located to intercept and catch or re-direct rocks falling from higher cliff faces. When installing rock catch fences, it is essential to correctly determine potential fall lines, and roped access is the best method of achieving accuracy in such assessments.

Scaling - Meshing - Geotextiles - Catch Fences - Rock Anchors to BS8081

Roped access is the method of installation and can provide rapid results safely.