Experimental study on rockfall drapery systems for open pit highwalls

This study presents in situ experiments carried out at an open cut mine in New South Wales (Australia). The research intends to improve the current knowledge on drapery systems for rockfall hazard management in mining environments. Blocks were released from the top of two different sections of the highwall: with and without a rockfall drapery system installed on the highwall. The trajectories of the blocks were recorded by using synchronised stereo pairs of high speed cameras. Velocities were derived from the trajectories and used to gather rockfall motion parameters (restitution coefficients) and various energies.

► In situ rockfall tests in open pit mine to assess the effectiveness of rockfall protection drapery. ► The blocks were released under a rockfall drapery system installed on a highwall. ► Falling blocks were recorded and their motion characteristics were characterised. ► The effect of the protective structure on the block motion was clearly highlighted. ► The effectiveness of the drapery mesh to dissipate energy during the fall was quantified.