50th INDIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE

50th
IGC
17th 19th DECEMBER 2015, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Venue: College of Engineering (Estd. 1854), Pune, India

UNDERSTANDING RISK ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION OF ROCKFALL

EVENTS THROUGH A CASE STUDY OF GHAT SECTION OF MUMBAI-PUNE
EXPRESSWAY
A.D. Gharpure1

ABSTRACT

Rockfall mitigation measures are prescribed with the goal of lessening the effect of Rockfall
events and can never be completely eliminating the eminent risk. Rockfalls are triggered by multiple,
sometime concurrent causes. In addition to surface instability due to excessive weathering or reduction of
shear strength caused by seasonal rainfall, Rockfall may be triggered by anthropic activities, such as
changing the topography due to excavation or dumping. Often, individual phenomena join together to
generate instability over time, and do not allow a reconstruction of the evolution of a particular incident.
While exact forensics is not possible, efforts to establish possible causes would help selecting appropriate
measures for stabilization. Like the causes, the correction methods are also used in isolation or in
combination to get the best effect.
Geometric methods, in which the geometry of the hillside is changed (in general the slope);
Hydrological methods, in which an attempt is made to lower the groundwater level or to reduce the
water content of the material
Mechanical methods, in which attempts are made to increase the shear strength of the unstable mass
or to introduce active external forces (e.g. anchors, rock or ground nailing) or passive (e.g. Retaining
Structures, Draperies, Barriers) to counteract the destabilizing forces.
During monsoon period of Year 2015 section of Mumbai-Pune Expressway which passes through
the Sahyadhri mountainous range witnessed some rockfall events near Khandala tunnel and Adoshi
tunnel. This triggered the need to provide the required mitigation measures in critical stretches on
emergency basis. This paper is intended to walk through various engineering investigations that are
conducted to observe, record and interpret the parameters, which can be used for understanding and
analyzing the causes and designing suitable mitigation measures. While the entire Ghat section was
observed, investigated and analysed, for this paper we take example of only one section which needed
various types of treatments and thus gives opportunity to explain the practical way of mitigation works.
Even in the chosen section repetitive observations are eliminated for brevity. The designs and drawings
are prepared based on observations, possible investigations done at site and on best possible engineering
judgment of the designer. With large variations in Geologic formations, topography, sub surface water
flows, extent of weathering and surface disintegration, limitations on extent of observations and
qualitative geotechnical investigations, the design and construction details are aimed at reducing the risk
of rockfall in the areas under consideration. A complete prevention or avoidance of rockfall incidences is
not viable. It is important to note that the analysis and design continues during execution of the project as
new information is revealed during construction activity.

Keywords: Rockfall Mitigation, Mumbai- Pune Expressway, Secured Drapery, Cortical Strengthening,
Dynamic Rockfall Barrier

1
Director & COO, Maccaferri Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Pune - 411 014, India, Email: agharpure@maccaferri-india.com
A.D. Gharpure
1. INTRODUCTION
Rockfall is defined as the natural downward
motion of a detached block or debris of rocks
which may involve the process of free falling,
bouncing, rolling and sliding. The various modes
are indicated in Figure 1. Rockfalls are considered
as one of the major risks in rock cuts for highways
and railways in mountainous terrains or unstable
slopes. When rocks above highways/Railways and
infrastructure sites dislodge and slide, roll or free-
fall, the direct impact of these rocks or it becoming
an obstacle on a road/railway may result in
significant damage, road/track closures, injuries,
and fatalities. These situations demand for the
provision of Rockfall mitigation systems as a key
element in the design and maintenance of
infrastructure networks, essentially as a pre-
construction recognition rather than post
construction reality, and have a direct impact on
safety and preservation of the infrastructure. (1)
Figure 1: Different Modes of Rockfall
The provision of Rockfallmitigation
systems ensure that either the Rockfall is prevented
or its impact is reduced.Not all of Rockfall
Mitigation measures attempt to increase the
stability of the slope but rather prevent the
infrastructure and people from getting affected by
foreseen or probable Rockfalls.
2. ADDRESSING ROCKFALL HAZARDS
As per IRCHRB-Special Report-23, it is
neither possible nor practical to detect all potential
Rockfall risks by any techniques currently used in
rock engineering. The main reason is because of
the large number of variants that cause Rockfall
hazards, the focus should be on reducing the risk.
There is mainly two steps involved- first and main
step in reducing the risk is to identify the hazard
and the next is to understand the level of risk of
this hazard(1).The main factors that are commonly
analysed to estimate the risk of Rockfall hazards
are:
Slope character-Slope length, height and angle;
type of material on the surface.
Climatic conditions-Rainfall, Freeze-Thaw, and
increase in pore water pressure.
Geologic conditions-Discontinuities, Fractures
or joints.
Site history -Site Vibrations, record of previous
Rockfall occurrences.
Infrastructure -Proximity of infrastructure in
relation to the slope, type and importance level
of infrastructure.
3. ROCKFALL MITIGATION
MEASURES
As per IRCHRB-Special Report-23(1), the
methods of Rockfall mitigation can be classified
into the following four types. These measures do
not increase the global stability of the slope nut
rather prevent the infrastructure and people from
being affected by unprecedented Rockfalls.
3.1. Warning Measures
These measures highlight likelihood of
impending or already occurred Rockfall or help the
detection of an impending Rockfall or slope
movement and thereby provide sufficient time for
taking precautionary measures to prevent any loss
of life and property due to Rockfalls. (Example:
predictive warning alarm devices installed on cut-
slopes)
3.2. Protection Measures
 50thINDIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE
50th
IGC
17th 19th DECEMBER 2015, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Venue: College of Engineering (Estd. 1854), Pune, India
These measures do not affect or prevent the
process of rock detachment. They guide the falling
rock and control the distance and direction in
which the falling rock travels thus protecting the
area prone to hazards. (Example: Simple Drapery
system, Rockfall Ditches, Rockfall Barrier etc.)
3.3. Retention Measures
The measures in this category will not
totally nullify or prevent the detachment and
tendency to move. Measures are taken to contain or
retain the rock masses which are on the verge of
movement. (Example: Secured Drapery system,
shotcreting etc.)
3.4. Prevention Measures
Thesemeasures increase the resisting forces
or reduce the forces causing the Rockfall and thus
prevent any detachment and movement of rocks.
(Example: Rock anchors, Removal, Scaling,
Drainage Measures etc.)
4. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF
MITIGATION MEASURES
4.1. Rockfall Restraining Nets
With the rock bolts spaced at specified
spacing in both ways, some fractured rock block
between the bolts can get dislodged over a period
of time at the face of the vertical cut. Thus there is
a need to install a netting system spanning across
the rock bolts and hugging the rock profile to the
extent possible. The rock block dissociated from
the parent rock will be withheld within the netting.
The netting will transfer the load to rock bolts.
There is a need to evaluate the strength of the mesh
that shall be required to withhold the rock block
without getting ruptured or without excessive
deformation of the mesh.
As per IRCHRB-Special Report-23,
clause: 3.7.1,at the limiting state of equilibrium,
the factor of safety, FS, for the system can be
defined by Equation below: (1)
FS= (1)
4.2. Anchors
4.2.1. Anchors for Secured Drapery
As per IRCHRB-Special Report-23,
clause:3.3.1, the anchor capacity is dependent on
the tensile and/or shear strength of the anchor
element, the grout quality, the interface friction
between the ground and the grout, and the
strength/passive resistance of the ground. The
resistance contribution, fa, from the anchors can be
expressed by:
fa = P J (2)
Where,
J is the number of anchors per metre and
P is the capacity of an anchor in kN.
Here, the weakest of anchor tensile strength,
shear strength of an anchor, and ultimate pullout
resistance of an anchor is taken as the anchor
capacity.(1)
4.2.2. Anchors for rock stabilisation
As per IRCHRB-Special Report-23,
clause:3.3.2, the design of Rock anchors and bolts
which are used for Surficial Strengthening in
secured drapery system designed for tension and
shear and long nails in slope stabilisation designed
for shear. The anchor capacity is dependent on the
tensile and/or shear strength of the anchor element,
the grout quality, the interface friction between the
ground and the grout, and the strength/passive
resistance of the ground. Stabilization design of a
rock block uses a very simple limit equilibrium
model of acting forces (Figure 2) such as: weight
of block, earthquake effect, water pressures,
friction at the base and stabilizing force.(1)
This model leads to the following equation
that gives the factor of safety (FS) against sliding
cA (W (cos sin ) U V sin T cos ) tan ( 3 )
FS
W (sin cos ) V cos T sin
where (4.1) and
A.D. Gharpure

Figure 3 is a design chart for bolts inclined

(4.2) degrees. This chart gives an efficiency factor efto
where: give the number of bolts n through
= Inclination of the slip Plane (Degrees)
= Horizontal Acceleration coefficient (5)
T= Applied anchor stabilizing force per where
linear meter (kN/m) ef is the efficiency factor, given by the chart
= Inclination of the anchor force in relation to the (Figure 3)
normal line to the slip plane (Degrees) T1 is the bolt design load, including reduction and
c= Cohesion at the slip plane (kPa) safety factor
= Friction angle at the slip plane (Degrees) T is the necessary anchor force given by
=Rock Unit Weight (kN/m3) T FS[W sin cos V cos ] cA (W (cos sin ) U V sin ) tan
w=Unit weight of water (kN/m3) (6)
zw=Height of water in the tension crack (m)
U=Submersion Forces (kN/m)
V=Forces due to water pressure (kN/m)
W=Weight of rock wedge
per linear meter (kN/m)
A=Length of slip surface (m)

Figure 3: Preliminary Design chart for Anchors

4.3. Dynamic Rockfall Barrier

Figure 2: Stability Analysis of loose rock with
As per IRCHRB-Special Report-23,
Anchor
clause:3.3.2, Rockfall Barriers are designed based
Taking cohesion as nil and no horizontal on various factors (e.g.: boulder size, slope
acceleration, the equation (4) simplifies to equation parameters, Rockfall simulations etc.) and area
(5). adapted to the ground conditions. The main
(W cos U V sin T cos ) tan parameters affecting the design of a rock fall
FS (4) barrier system are: falling energy, falling velocity
W sin V cos T sin
and height of impact. (1)
The force T can be exerted either by
Falling energy and Falling velocity are
anchors or bolts. In the first case, T corresponds to
related by the equation:
the anchor force. In the latter, T depends on bolt
orientation and failure criterion, as combined E 0.5mv 2 0.5 I 2 ( 7 )
tension and shear forces can be taken into account. where
m = mass of the block
 50thINDIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE

50th
IGC
17th 19th DECEMBER 2015, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Venue: College of Engineering (Estd. 1854), Pune, India

v = translational velocity of fall location is shown in Figure 5. The expressway

I = moment of inertia of the block
= angular rotational velocity
Generally for large block sizes the component of
rotational energy (given by the factor0.5.I.2) is
minimal, and can be neglected in practice.
Therefore Equation (3) becomes,
E = 0.5mv2 ( 8 )
Falling velocity (i.e.) velocity of free fall
can be estimated from the following Figure 4.
became fully operational in 2002. The Mumbai-
Pune expressway has been experiencing the
problem of rockfall and subsidence at a few
locations, which affects the traffic during monsoon.
The frequent incidences of rock fall causes
disruption of traffic, property loss and loss of life.

Figure 5: Location Map showing Mumbai -Pune

Expressway (Source:Wikipedia)

Figure 4:Velocity vs Height of free fall (Rockfall

Barrier)
The barriers must be higher than the path of
falling boulders. A numerical simulation helps to
estimate the height with statistical methodology.
But it should be kept in mind that with a statistical
approach, 100% forecast of the events is not
possible, and that a simulation gives the height of a
dot mass without considering the true dimensions
of the boulder.
5. CASE STUDY OF GHAT SECTION OF
MUMBAI-PUNE EXPRESSWAY
5.1. Introduction
The Mumbai Pune Expressway,
(officially known as the YashwantraoChavan
Mumbai Pune Expressway) is India's first six-lane
concrete, high-speed, access
controlled expressway. It spans a distance of
94.5 km connecting Mumbai with Pune. The
Figure 6: Photograph showing aftermath of the rockfall
happened near Adoshi tunnel (source: Indian Express
Newspaper)
Recently, post monsoon (June- Aug 2015)
there have been several events of rock slide/
rockfall near Khandala and Adoshi tunnel, which
are two of the many tunnels along the expressway.
On 19thJuly, 2015, a rockslide cum fall has
occurredat Adoshi, from the face of vertical cut
along Mumbai corridor, near the portal of
Adoshitunnel on Pune end (Refer Figure 6). On 1st
August, 2015, a rockslide cum fall has
occurednearKhandala Tunnel Portal on the Pune.
A.D. Gharpure

Earlier in July also, similar event occurred in the

same location (Refer Figure 7).These events have
been life threatening to the dense traffic on
Mumbai Pune Expressway.

Figure 8: LiDAR instrument setup near Adoshi tunnel

location.

Figure 7: Photograph showing the rock slide happened

near Khandala tunnel (Mumbai corridor) (source:
NDTV news)

5.2. Risk Assessment

As per Ansari. M.K, et al (2014), the annual
probability of one or more deaths has been
evaluated along the expressway based on
quantitative risk assessment estimated using three
different conditions.(2)
Based on the previouscases of rockfall
events and observations made, few critical
stretches were identified, viz, stretch near
Khandala tunnel-Pune side, stretch near Adoshi
tunnel, stretch near Amrutanjan Bridge, stretch
near Khandala tunnel-Mumbai side, and stretch
near Bhatan tunnel. In this paper, the design and
analysis aspects of the stretches near Adoshi tunnel
are discussed in detail.
5.3. Engineering Investigations and
Observations
5.3.1. Topographical Survey
A 3D laser survey using LiDAR (Light
Detection And Ranging) was conducted to get the
levels of steep slopes/ cuts of specific locations
prone to rock fall along Pune Mumbai Expressway
(Refer Figure 8 for instrument setup). Along with
this, contour plan, sections at every 5 m, generation
of digital terrain model (Refer Figure 9) was
developed so as to identify the areas of netting and
other rockfall mitigation works.
Figure 9: The digital terrain model of stretch near Aoshi
tunnel (near Pune side Portal) developed from LiDAR
Survey
5.3.2. Geological Observations
Various groups of geologists have visited
the site to collect relevant geomorphological
information including rock type, joints and their
orientation, based on visual observations.
5.3.3. Geotechnical Investigation
Since conducting geotechnical investigation
by taking bore holes was not feasible on rockfall
locations, because of the sloping profile, and the
height, the rock samples were collected from site
and lab test results were conducted. Refer Figure
10.
Figure 10: Tensile Strength Test (Laboratory) set up of
rock samples
5.3.4. Other Observations and Reports
A drilling based observation log was
prepared during the drilling carried out (for
 50thINDIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE
50th
IGC
17th 19th DECEMBER 2015, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Venue: College of Engineering (Estd. 1854), Pune, India
proposed nailing works) above the slope near
Khandala tunnel for emergency works. This gives a
fair idea about the underlying profile. Refer Figure
11.
Figure 11: A sample of Drilling based observation log
Geological Survey of India (GSI) has
prepared a preliminary note on the reconnaissance
of rockfall events happened in Khandala as well as
Adoshi stretches. [(3),(4)]
5.4. Geology and Topography
This section comprises of the major
geological and topographical details of stretches
near Adoshi tunnel, which were used to arrive at
possible Rockfall mitigation measures.
Figure 12: Google Earth imagery showing details of
stretches near Adoshi tunnel
The stretch starts from about 215 m before
the Mumbai side portal of Adoshi Tunnel, extends
up to the valley. Refer Figure 12 for the stretch
identified on Google Earth satellite imagery. The
height of the cut in the stretch varies from 30-50m
from road level. The entire stretch has been divided
into four parts viz.:
Stretch-1: From Valley towards Pune for
length of 200m (adjacent Mumbai Corridor)
Stretch-2: - Between Pune side tunnel portal
and Valley (adjacent Mumbai Corridor)
Stretch-3: - Slope above the tunnel (adjacent to
Pune Corridor)
Stretch-4: - 215m stretch after Mumbai side
Adoshi tunnel portal (adjacent to Mumbai
Corridor)
5.4.1. Stretch-1: From valley, extending
200m towards Pune
A view of Stretch-1 from the Adoshi tunnel
is shown in Figure 13. The height of near vertical
cut in this stretch extends upto 40m. The cut has
been made in massive basaltic rock. The dip
direction of the cut is N325. The exposed face of
the cut shows fractures and joints which are
randomly trending. The rock near the crest of the
cut is fractured/ jointed and number of rock blocks
can be identified along the crest of the cut. The
stretch has been depicted in Figure 13 and the rock
blocks identified in this stretch are shown in
Figure 14.
Figure 13: Photograph showing Adoshi tunnel
Stretch-1
Giving due consideration the individual
rock blocks identified for stabilization in upper
portion of the cut and presence of randomly
oriented fractures probably developed during the
formation of the cut for expressway due to blasting
the surficial instability thickness varies from 0.3m
to 1.0m. The lower portion of the cut has relatively
thinner surficial instability thickness.
A.D. Gharpure

vertical joints which dissects it into rock blocks.

The thickness of these rock blocks is about 2 to
4m.
In the vertical cut, three major joint sets
identified are tectonic joints, sub-horizontal joints
and road ward dipping curvi-planar exfoliation
joint at the crest of the cut. Two distinct tectonic
joints can be observed in this stretch. Adjacent to
the tectonic joints the rock is fractured (Refer
Figure 18). As can be seen from Figure 19,
a wedge dipping towards the express way has been
formed due to intersection of tectonic joint and
fracture planes. Rock overhangs were observed
near the valley portion of the stretch.

Figure 15 : Photograph showing Adoshi tunnel

Stretch-2
Figure 14: Photograph showing some of the identified
critical locations along Stretch-1

5.4.2. Stretch-2: - Between Pune side tunnel

portal and Valley
This stretch extends from the Pune side
tunnel portal to Valley (Refer Figure 15 and Figure
16). This stretch includes the area from where
rockslide and rockfall occurred, causing fatal Figure 16 : Photograph showing tectonic joints
accident (Refer Figure 17). The height of the cut in observed in Stretch- 2 of Adoshi tunnel
the stretch is about 50m. The slope above the cut is
steep and dipping towards the road making an
angle of about 40-50 with the horizontal. The dip
direction of the slope is N45. The slope is
vegetated after a few metres from the crest of the
vertical cut. The rock slide has occurred from the
rock above the cut and has probably brought down
loose rock blocks on the vertical cut along its way
down. The joint along which the movement has
occurred dips towards the road and is open (as can
Figure 17 : Photograph showing Rock slide area in
be seen from the present condition). The joint is Stretch-2 of Adoshi tunnel.
dipping at an angle of 42 with respect to
horizontal. The rock mass (from where the rock
slide occurred, Figure 17) above the cut has
 50thINDIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE

50th
IGC
17th 19th DECEMBER 2015, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Venue: College of Engineering (Estd. 1854), Pune, India

Figure 20 : Photograph showing Adoshi tunnel

Stretch-3
Figure 18: Photograph showing fractured rock in
Stretch-2 of Adoshi tunnel adjacent to Tectonic joint

Figure 21 Photograph showing detached loose rock

blocks in Stretch-3 of Adoshi tunnel.

Figure 19: Photograph showing Wedge formation in

Stretch-2 of Adoshi tunnel adjacent to Tectonic joint

5.4.3. Stretch-3: - Slope above the tunnel Figure 22 : Photograph showing Fractured rock above
This stretch is in continuation with stretch- the Adoshi tunnel portal
2, and is above the Adoshi tunnel (Refer Figure
20). Starting from Pune side Portal, the rock cover
above the tunnel dips at an angle of about 55-60
towards the Pune corridor. There is a small bench
of about 5m width after which there is a vertical
cliff of about 10m height. Above the vertical cliff
there is a steep slope of about 40 to 45 and is
vegetated (Refer Figure 20). Isolated rock blocks Figure 23 : Photograph showing location with
have been observed on the natural steep slope possibility of planer failure in rock along curvilinear
above the tunnel area, which have possibility of joint dipping towards expressway Stretch-3 above
rolling down slope in future (Refer Figure 21). Adoshi tunnel.
The rock mass above the tunnel portal is fractured
probably due to the blasting during the
construction (Refer Figure 22). Some of the
photographs of fracture rockd, rock blocks with the
possibility of detachment and falling on to the
expressway in other parts of Stretch-3 are shown in
Figure 23andFigure 24.
Figure 24 : Photograph showing unstable rock outcrop
in Stretch-3 of Adoshi tunnel (near the Portal on
Mumbai side).
A.D. Gharpure
5.4.4. Stretch-4: Mumbai side tunnel portal
Figure 25: Photograph showing Stretch-4
This stretch starts at Ch. 40+475 and
extends upto Mumbai side portal of Adoshi Tunnel
extending over a length of 215m. The vertical cut
height beyond the Mumbai side portal varies
between 45 (near the portal) and 40m for a distance
of about 100 m from the portal towards Mumbai
(Refer Figure 25). Thereafter the height of vertical
cut reduces. The rock mass at the face of the cut is
fractured at certain locations. There are several
rock blocks with the potential to get dissociated
from the cut face and fall on to the express way
(Refer Figure 18 a to f). Just at the portal on
Mumbai side there is overhanging rock mass.
Several fracture planes/ cracks have been observed
in the overhang portion (Refer Figure 27).
Figure 26: Photographs showing some of the identified
critical locations along Stretch-4
Figure 27: Photographs showing a critical overhang
identified near the Mumbai side tunnel portal
5.5. Site Specific Design Approach
A combination of the methods mentioned in
previous sections, following the IRCHRB-Special
Report-23 Guidelines and project specifications, is
used in arriving at the proposed measures. The
designs and drawings are based on observations,
possible investigations done at site and on best
possible engineering judgment of the designer
taking into account views of expert Geologists and
Geotechnical Engineers.
With large variations in geologic
formations, topography, sub surface water flows,
extent of weathering and surface disintegration,
limitations on extent of observations and
qualitative geotechnical investigations, the design
and construction details are aimed at reducing the
risk of rockfall in the areas under consideration. A
complete prevention or avoidance of rockfall
incidences is not viable.
The designs and drawings take care of
mitigation works in identified stretches en-block;
however, the large variation in surface
irregularities, joint patterns, potent rockfall sizes
and new revelations post scaling and removing
previously done shotcreting may prompt design
and detailing changes and hence engineers regular
inspection is necessary for such instructions. A site
instructions book is recommended to be maintained
for observations and instructions at site by the
engineer. The site notes and instructions will
supersede the earlier issued drawings.
Different affected and prone to failure
section as mentioned in the scope of work are
observed, surveyed, investigated and categorized
 50thINDIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE
50th
IGC
17th 19th DECEMBER 2015, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Venue: College of Engineering (Estd. 1854), Pune, India
for identified geological and geotechnical issues.
Based on categorization following approaches is
taken for prescribing mitigation measures.
5.5.1. Scaling & Slope Correction
Wherever possible this measure is
suggested as basic measure to improve rock slope
stability and reduce surface instability by removing
the unstable rockmass. Difficulty of safe working,
disturbance and spread of problem, extent and size
of unstable mass etc, are some of the reasons to use
this technique judiciously and with on the spot
decisions sometimes. A slope correction to stable
one should have been considered during original
alignment plan of the road. Presently the
limitations of adjoining structure on hills and land
use issues may restrict going for this option and the
end client must know the limitations of other
mitigation options. The loose scaling and removal
of unstable blocks shall be done before carrying
out other mitigation measures proposed over the
slope.
5.5.2. Drainage Issues
Water being one of the main triggering
cause of a rockfall and landslide has to be
effectively drained to reduce the impact. Both
surface and sub-surface drainage measures are
suggested as per the observations and
requirements. Following are the measures proposed
Catch water drains - at uphill locations to
reduce the infiltration as sub-surface water and
to reduce the boulder movements along the
flow direction.
Lining of storm water drains Some storm
water road side drains are not lined and are
feeding the cut slopes undesired seepage which
is main cause of weakening and sliding of rock
due to reduction in shear strength.
Drain holes Perforated pipes wrapped in
geotextile are placed in upward drilled holes at
the toe of rockslopes. This helps in dipping the
phreatic surface and also reducing the pore
water pressure in rock / soil slopes. Also short
drain holes of small diameter shall be proposed
for facilitating controlled drainage.
5.5.3. Surface Instabilities
Depth of unstable rock mass can be
classified as sizes varying in the ranges: < 0.5m,
0.5m to 1m, and 1m to 2m.
Microzonation of surface instability in
terms of depth of rock mass to fall and its
inclination / dip angle would have wide variation
within same stretches and it would not be practical
to restore whole stretches using patches of different
strength prescribed nettings. A pragmatic approach
is taken to identify wider stretches of potential
rockfall depths and take most critical angle of
inclination to design cortical strengthening
measures. Another aspect is to attend the mix of
small and bigger size/depth rock mass areas.
Considering all the above a combination of
following netting with necessarily placed anchors
are designed. It can be any of the cases:
Mono oriented Reinforced Steel Wire Mesh
only
Rhomboidal Cable Wire Rope Panels only
Mono oriented Reinforced Steel Wire Mesh +
Rhomboidal Cable Wire Rope Panels
Mono oriented Reinforced Steel Wire Mesh +
Diagonal Cable Ropes
5.5.4. Deep Instabilities
Depth of unstable Rock mass > 2m from
surface or Deep seated failure of rock mass
anticipated.
These issues are primarily treated using
Rock anchors of varying depth and strength as per
the design requirements.
5.5.5. Isolated patches of big rock-masses
Wherever uncommon extreme size rock-
masses, prone to failure, are observed it is
recommended to attempt complete removal of it or
if it is practically difficult to do without risking
human life, it is recommended to anchor it down
using strongest netting Rhomboidal Cable Wire
Rope Panels along with rock anchors surrounding
the rockmass on a stable bed as far as possible.
5.5.6. Anticipated rolling down of stones
from upper slopes
Some continuous slopes with weathered
A.D. Gharpure

surfaces or containing boulders either vegetated or Rope Panel

clean, are prone to loosening of rock masses and -The panels are woven from a single
roll down of it. Anticipated sizes of rockmass continuous length of high tensile strength steel
along with slope angles are modeled to see the wire rope, joined at each crossing point with
impact energy generated by such masses at rockfall the high strengthknot.(Refer Figure 29)
barriers placed at best suitable locations and of a
height to resist the impacts. It is well understood
that these rockfall barriers shall need maintenance
depending on occurrences and impact energy
absorbed. For some lower energies and restricted
height use, a hybrid structure of raised anchors
with drapery is proposed to optimize the cost and
still get the necessary effects. As a safer
assumption boulders of round size with capability
to roll and bounce thus generating higher potential
energy and jump height are assumed with different
sizes based on observations. Following measures
and their details are prescribed: Figure 28:Photograph of over Mono oriented
Rockfall Barriers Ranging from 250 to 5000 Reinforced Steel Wire Mesh installed in a slope
kJ, with stipulated heights and at a location
suitable from point of views of capturing
maximum rolling/sliding stones by covering
necessary width and anticipated bounce heights
and construction ease.
Hybrid Structures (Raised anchors and
drapery) For < 500 kJ requirement and at a
location where restricted height of drapery can
manage the attenuation of rockfall rolling
energy.
A combination of one or more of above mentioned
techniques shall be adopted.

5.6. Analysis and Design of Proposed

Rockfall Mitigation Measures
5.6.1. Secured Drapery/Cortical
Strengthening
In this type of protection, revetments are
provided along the slope of the rock at specified
intervals along with one or combination of the Figure 29: Photograph of Rhomboidal Cable Steel
meshes mentioned below: wire Rope Panel installed in a slope

Mono oriented Reinforced Steel Wire

Mesh
-includes steel cables integrated longitudinally
into the double twist mesh as the edging wire
and also at the centre of the roll. (Refer Figure
28)
High Strength Rhomboidal cable Wire
 50thINDIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE
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IGC
17th 19th DECEMBER 2015, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Venue: College of Engineering (Estd. 1854), Pune, India
Figure 30: Photograph of Rhomboidal Cable Steel
wire Rope Panels laid over Mono oriented
Reinforced Steel Wire Mesh
Figure 31 : Reinforcement of slope with mesh and
revetments
Surficial reinforcing system or secured
drapery system is aimed at the stabilisation of the
rock mass surface layer containing potentially
unstable rocks of a size typically 1-1.5m3. In this
system, the weathered rock slope surface is draped
with one or combination of meshes with the help of
surface, top and bottom anchors. Here the system
performs the function of surficial strengthening/
cortical strengthening. Any loosened rock mass
sliding down the slope, towards the toe, shall be
contained between the surface anchors. However,
this sliding of rock mass happens in a controlled
way between the anchors and can be removed for
in a systematic way from within the draped system.
For instance, installation of Rhomboidal Cable
Steel Wire Rope Panels over Mono oriented
Reinforced Steel Wire Mesh is suggested for those
regions wherein there are chances of detachment of
very big boulders (greater than 0.5m3).
Rhomboidal Cable Steel Wire Rope Panels
effectively take up load from big size boulders and
Mono oriented Reinforced Steel Wire Mesh
effectively contains smaller size rock fragments.
Where larger blocks are present Rhomboidal Cable
Steel wire Rope Panels can be locally installed, as
per site feasibility. Diagonal Cable wire ropes,
helps the mesh to adhere to the slope surface.
Figure 32: Scheme of the forces acting on the mesh in
case of surface instability
The analysis for the netting system has
been carried out in software Macro 1, developed by
Maccaferri on the principle of limit state
equilibrium. Simplistic approach to analysis of
netting system is as under.
The unstable rock block creates tension in
the mesh spanning across the rock bolts. The
tension acting in a linear meter of mesh T is
determined as:
Flocal sin( )
T (9)
ix sin( )
Where,
andare angles as shown in shown in
Figure 32.
Flocal, force of sliding block,
Flocal=stabilizing forcesdestabilizing forces
ix, horizontal spacing of bolts
P, punching force on mesh
Thickness of unstable mass s that can
exert force Flocal on the mesh. is the local joint
inclination.
A.D. Gharpure

Giving due consideration to the tension Critical SRF: 1.06

generated in the mesh and the serviceability

aspects, it is proposed to provide either / both of Maximum
Shear Strain
0.00e+000

the two meshes- Rhomboidal Cable Steel Wire 6.00e-005

1.20e-004
Rope Panels with an opening of 300mm of 10mm 1.80e-004

diameter wire rope and/or Mono oriented 2.40e-004

3.00e-004

Reinforced Steel Wire Mesh. In order to avoid 3.60e-004

4.20e-004

small stones running out of the Rhomboidal Cable 4.80e-004

5.40e-004

Steel Wire Rope Panel, it is proposed to provide 6.00e-004

Shear
secondary netting system of Mono oriented Tension

Reinforced Steel Wire Mesh below the Stage "SRF: 1.06" or after
Stage "SRF: 1" or before

Rhomboidal Cable Steel Wire Rope Panel.

The specifications of Rhomboidal cable
Wire Rope Panel and Mono oriented Reinforced
Steel Wire Mesh are as mentioned inIRCHRB- 585 590 595 600 605 610

Special Report-23- clauses 5.3.1.1 and 5.3.3 Critical SRF: 1.17

respectively.(1)
Maximum
Shear Strain

5.6.2. Anchors 0.00e+000

7.00e-006

1.40e-005

2.10e-005

2.80e-005

Primarily bolts of 25mm diameter and 3.50e-005

4.20e-005

4.90e-005

32mm diameters (500 MPa strength) are selected 5.60e-005

6.30e-005

with a range of depth varying from 2m to 8m in 7.00e-005

Shear
Tension

Adoshi tunnel stretch. Both

Shear
Tension
Both

The analysis of the critical rock blocks

above the vertical cut, in front of Adoshi tunnel
(Pune side portal )(Refer Figure 17 for photograph)
has been carried out in RocPlane(developed by
RocScience). It is an interactive software tool for
performing planar rock slope stability analysis and
design. Refer Figure 33.
Figure 34: Phase 2 software results showing the factors
of safety from analysis of present case (top figure), and
analysis after applying nails for stabilisation (bottom
figure) overhang at Adoshi tunnel portal location
(Mumbai side)

5.6.3. Dynamic Rockfall Barriers

Figure 33: Rocplane software results showing analysis

of proposed stabilisation measureRock slide mass near
Adoshi tunnel portal location (Pune side)

The analysis of the critical overhang at

Adoshi tunnel face (on Mumbai side) (Refer Figure
Figure 35: Photograph of Dynamic Rockfall Barrier
27 for photograph) has been carried out in Phase 2
finite element software (developed by RocScience) Variable geometry barriers are made of a
as a plane strain condition. Some of the results of complex system of steel cables and double-twist
the analysis are shown in Figure 34.
 50thINDIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE
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IGC
17th 19th DECEMBER 2015, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Venue: College of Engineering (Estd. 1854), Pune, India
wire mesh panels. The steel-cables connect to
structural elements, energy absorption device and
anchorage lines with a high deformation capacity
enabling the system, to withstand great energy
(Rockfall barriers are available in the range of
250kJ to 8600kJ capacity with different heights).
Barriers intercept and stop falling rocks and
boulders. The intercepting panels are connected to
structural elements, which in turn are connected to
anchorage lines, braking systems and foundations.
Dynamic Rockfall barriers are high energy
absorption flexible barriers which are in
accordance with ETAG -027. (5).The material
specifications are available in IRCHRB-Special
Report-23- clauses 5.5.(1)
In this case study, the analysis of rockfall
trajectories above Adoshi tunnel has been carried
out using software Rocfall (developed by
RocScience) (Refer Figure 36). The barrier
capacity, height and barrier location are finalized
based on the trajectories.
Figure 36: Simulation of Rockfall trajectories done in
Rocfall software
5.7. Monitoring and Maintenance
While importance of during construction
monitoring and adapting has already been
highlighted above, it is reiterated here that a
supervision program during construction has to be
adopted.
Post construction, routine checks and
specific pre-monsoon checks are recommended to
observe any distress to the system, changed
parameters, if any, and maintenance requirements.
To retain the efficacy of the systems during
its expected life, a maintenance program must also
be undertaken for cleaning, repairing and
retrofitting the systems, as required, preferably
before the start of monsoon in the area every year.
6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Site specific approach helps in design and
execution of specific problems like rockfall. To
finalise the best feasible solution, Geotechnical
investigations, Geological studies, Topographical
survey shall be conducted. The monitoring of
installed mitigation measures, during and post
construction shall be made part of the major
projects. Maintenance of the proposed rockfall
mitigation measure also plays a major role in its
performance.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author would like to acknowledge the
contributions of Mr.PrashantNavalakha (Principal
Consultant, Genstru Consultants), and
Ms.Roshan.R.S.V (Deputy Manager, Maccaferri
Environmental Solutions) in the preparation of this
technical paper.
REFERENCES
1. IRC-HRB. IRC-HRB-Special Report-23. State
of the Art: Design and Construction of Rockfall
Mitigation Systems. New Delhi : s.n., 2014.
2. Rockfall Risk Assessment along Mumbai-Pune
Expressway, Maharashtra, India. Ansari, M.K,
Ahmad, M and Singh, T.N. 2014. International
Journal of Ceience and Research (IJSR).
3. A Preliminary Note on the Reconnaissace of a
Rockfall cum Fall incidence of 19th July 2015 near
Southern Portal of Adoshi Tunnel, Mumbai- Pune
Eexpressway, Maharashtra. Bodas, M.S and
Kohli, A. 2015, Geological Survey of India.
4. A Short Note on the Reconnaissance of a
Rockfall cum slide of 01-Aug-2015 Near Southern
Portal of Khandala Tunnel, Mumbai-Pune
Expressway, Maharashtra. Sarkar, Sekhar,
Bodas, M.S and Kohli, A. 2015, Geological
Survey of India.
5. EOTA. ETAG-027. Guideline for European
Technical Approval of Falling Rock Protection
Kits. Brussels : EOTA, 2008.