SAGE provides rock slope engineering services for existing and proposed cuts in rock. We specialize in characterizing the rock conditions, assessing the slope stability parameters, and developing rock slope reinforcement and/or rockfall catchment systems where necessary.

For existing rock slopes, the effects of weathering and gravity over time can increase the likelihood of failure. Where these slopes are located above critical facilities, we routinely perform detailed geologic mapping, structural analyses of rock discontinuity data, and computer-based rockfall simulation to assess the vulnerability of the facility. For existing facilities, slope grading is often not a viable option. For such cases, typical non-grading solutions include:

• Active systems that stabilize the potentially unstable rock in place using rock bolts with/without an anchored facing system (e.g., wire mesh, reinforced shotcrete, etc.)
• Passive systems that do not necessarily prevent rockfall, but instead control the rockfall blocks using a flexible drapery system placed over the slope face and anchored at the top of the slope, or by capturing rockfall blocks in flexible (energy dissipating) barriers strategically located upslope of the critical facility.

The excavation of new rock slopes demands that both short and long-term stability concerns are carefully considered during the design process. SAGE has the technical capacity and practical know-how to analyze slope conditions, assess the stability parameters, and develop solutions to address any stability concerns.

• Geological
  • Rock Slope Support & Rockfall Protection