Slope Protection Net

Slope protection net, also known as a flexible protection net, is a mountain slope protection system mainly composed of galvanized Steel Wire ropes / ring wire mesh, combined with anchor bolts, steel columns, and energy dissipation rings. It is widely used for rock slopes and soil slopes to control geological hazards in mountainous areas. It is mainly divided into two types: active protection net and passive protection net.

Active Slope Protection Net

I. Active Protection Net (Installed on the Slope Surface)

Closely attached to the slope surface, the net is firmly fixed to the mountain using anchor bolts.

· Functions

1. Reinforce unstable rocks and prevent rock weathering, falling rocks, small-scale collapses, and shallow landslides.

2. Restrict broken rocks inside the net and prevent stones from directly rolling down.

3. The net structure is open mesh, which does not block the growth of vegetation and can be combined with vegetation spraying to achieve ecological slope protection.

· Applications:

Mountain slopes along highways and railways, scenic areas, and exposed rock slopes in mining areas.

II. Passive Protection Net (Rockfall Barrier at the Slope Toe)

It is not attached to the mountain slope. Steel columns are installed at the slope toe or platform, with nets hanging between the columns, forming a protective barrier wall. Energy dissipation rings are added to absorb impact energy from falling rocks.

Functions:

1. Intercept falling rocks and debris, absorb rockfall impact energy, and prevent rocks from reaching roads and buildings.

2. Prevent small-scale collapses and rockfall hazards.

· Applications:

Areas below steep dangerous rock slopes, tunnel entrances, and the bottom of roadside slopes.

Overall Functions of Slope Protection Net

1. Disaster Prevention and Safety

Prevent rockfalls and shallow landslides, protect the safety of highways, railways, pedestrians, and vehicles, and reduce mountain collapse accidents.

2. Environmentally Friendly

Compared with concrete retaining walls, it does not require large-scale excavation of mountains. The mesh openings allow grass and trees to grow, combining slope protection with vegetation restoration while preserving the natural appearance of mountains.

3. Construction Advantages

Lightweight, adaptable to uneven mountain terrain, short construction period, easy installation in complex mountainous environments, and long service life (30–50 years with galvanized corrosion protection).

4. Cost Advantages

Compared with masonry retaining walls, it has lower construction costs and simpler later maintenance.

Common Application Scenarios

Highway slopes, railway slopes, mine ecological restoration, scenic mountain areas, water conservancy slopes, tunnel entrances and exits, and unstable mountain rock control projects.

Simple Difference:

Active protection:
“Locks the slope to prevent rocks from falling.”

Passive protection:
“Catches the rocks after they have already fallen.”

In engineering projects, the two systems are often used together for comprehensive protection.

Engineering Experience:
For slopes with many unstable rocks, active and passive protection systems are often combined to provide enhanced safety protection.