High demands are placed on protective structures (SiBW) against rockfall and blockfall regarding load-bearing capacity, serviceability, and durability. It is often forgotten that the construction of rockfall protection fences, nets, rock bolts, shotcrete, etc., does not inherently provide protection for decades. To reliably fulfill their function, regular inspections and, if necessary, maintenance and repair of the SiBW are required.
Inspections are categorized into initial recording, viewing, control, examination, and special inspection. During the initial recording , the structure is visually inspected, and all relevant data is recorded on a form. The annual viewing checks for any events or major damages that may affect the serviceability of the SiBW. It also assesses vegetation that could hinder reliable inspection the following year, allowing for timely clearance. If the expert deems the serviceability of the SiBW compromised or an event is reported, a special inspection is recommended. The regular control every five years ersetzt im entsprechenden Jahr die Sichtung und umfasst eine handnahe, bauwerksspezifische Inspektion. Die Prüfung im 15-Jahresturnus eplaces the viewing for that year and includes a close-up, structure-specific inspection. The examination every fifteen years replaces the viewing or control for that year and is conducted similarly to the control, with an additional check of the SiBW's surroundings for relevant changes to ensure its ongoing suitability and serviceability.
The inspections conducted over the past months highlight the importance and necessity of initial recordings and regular inspections. This year, numerous "minor" defects were identified again, ranging from incorrectly mounted wire rope clips and missing components to incompletely filled boreholes with exposed anchors. If the defects are not due to external influences (missing components, theft, vandalism), they are typically rectified by the construction company at no cost, especially if the defect is reported within the warranty period.
Other defects included severe corrosion on structures and untested homemade structures in rockfall-prone areas above residential buildings. While these defects cannot be easily fixed, inspections should not be avoided. Ultimately, the condition assessment of a SiBW is closely linked to insurance and liability issues in the event of personal injury or property damage.
Feel free to contact us if:
- You have SiBW of unknown age and origin on your parcels of land
- You are the builder of SiBW and have not yet conducted any inspections
- You are unsure of the condition of your SiBW
- You want to ensure that any defect claims can be made before the warranty expires (for structures according to VOB/B §13 Abs. 4, four years after acceptance of the structure)
- You want a tabular recording and spatial location of your SiBW
- You want an inspection plan for your SiBW for your long-term planning
- You would like advice on SiBW and inspections in any other way
