Rock Face Stabilisation & Rockfall Protection
Geotechnical stabilisation contractors delivering long-term safety to rock faces across the UK.
Rock face stabilisation and rockfall protection systems keep people and infrastructure safe.
If not properly managed, unstable rock faces can deteriorate rapidly, creating hazardous conditions and, in extreme cases, emergencies with little warning.
To ensure thorough rockface stabilisaton, proactive measures such as targeted rock removal or containment are essential for reducing risk and can be critical in protecting lives and infrastructure.
The removal of loose or unstable rock and large blocks from cliff faces is commonly used as a short‑term mitigation measure where immediate stability concerns exist. In addition, regular rock scaling can provide a cost‑effective and practical means of managing ongoing rockfall risk from slopes and rock faces.
CAN Geotechnical can mobilise at short notice to inspect unstable rock faces and safely remove debris that presents an immediate threat to people, property, or infrastructure, helping to stabilise conditions while longer‑term solutions are developed.
Assessing and Managing Rockfall Risk
Rock faces deteriorate and become unstable through weathering, erosion, fractured rock, and gradual deterioration.
Where unstable rock presents a risk to people, infrastructure or surrounding assets, stabilisation works can help reduce the likelihood of rockfall and improve the long-term stability of the face.
Inspection is an important part of understanding rock face condition and identifying potential hazards before they become a larger issue or affect the safety of others. CAN can investigate the site, assess the condition and stability of the rock face, and design an appropriate stabilisation solution to provide long-term protection, with design lives of over 120 years achievable depending on the solution and site conditions.
Working on Difficult to Access Rock Faces
Rock face works often take place in challenging environments, including steep slopes, cliffs, railway cuttings, highways, quarries and areas above or below existing infrastructure. Access can be restricted, ground conditions unpredictable and the consequences of loose rock significant.
CAN’s geotechnical teams are experienced in working on steep and difficult terrain, using specialist rope access, drilling and installation techniques and bespoke plant to deliver stabilisation works in locations where conventional methods are be limited.
Our Specialties
Rockfall Bolting & Netting
Combining active stabilisation and surface containment, we install rock bolts and protective netting systems to secure unstable rock faces and control loose material, reducing the likelihood of uncontrolled failure while maintaining long‑term slope stability.
Inspection, Design & Build
From initial condition assessment through to installation, we manage the full lifecycle of rock face stabilisation works. Our team identifies geotechnical risk, develops practical and proportionate solutions, and delivers them safely in complex and difficult‑to‑access environments, ensuring works are undertaken efficiently and responsibly.
Catch Fences
We design and install high‑performance rockfall catch fence systems engineered to intercept and contain falling debris before it reaches infrastructure, assets, or public areas. Systems are selected to suit site‑specific hazard profiles and performance requirements.
Rock Removal
Where instability presents an immediate risk, we undertake controlled rock removal using specialist access and handling techniques. This ensures hazards are eliminated quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption, while maintaining control of the rock mass throughout the operation.
Anchors
Our anchor systems provide critical reinforcement for unstable ground masses and structural elements, transferring load into competent ground to improve overall stability and performance in both temporary and permanent applications.
Void Filling & Grouting
We stabilise weakened, fractured, or deteriorated rock by filling voids and discontinuities with engineered grout solutions. This process improves rock mass integrity, limits water ingress, and helps prevent further degradation or progressive failure.
Sprayed Concrete
Dry and wet sprayed concrete – shotcrete – is used in conjunction with other stabilisation methods to improve safety, protect other installed stabilisation methods and decrease rockfall.
Devegetation
We remove vegetation that may contribute to rock face instability or obscure inspection. This improves visibility for assessment, reduces root‑driven movement, and supports the long‑term effectiveness of stabilisation and protection measures.
Case Studies
Trusted by 1200+ companies around the world
