Dynamic Rockfall Barriers
2021
KORBOUS - NABEUL - Tunisia
Ministère de l’Equipement, de l’Habitat et de l’Aménagement du Territoire
HYDROKARST
STUDI INTERNATIONAL
RESTORATION OF THE ROAD LINK RR 128 AIN OCTOR – KORBOUS
Problem
Since 2001, the RR 128 road connecting Ain Octor to Korbous has been closed to traffic due to landslides, dismantling, rupture, and progressive collapse of the retaining walls meant to trap rocks. The landscaping for the Korbous road aims to restore its identity link with the region and articulate a better tourist approach to the area. The works aim to install protective devices against falling rocks. The road extends for 4.5 kilometers, with the construction works covering 2.5 kilometers from Ain Oktor to Korbous. These 2.5 kilometers consist of a mountain road section (1.4km: intervention area of France Maccaferri) and a dike where a portion of the maritime zone will be filled in to construct the road. The reopening of the road is scheduled for the third quarter of 2024.
Solution
The acrobatic works company, Hydrokarst, based in France, solicited Maccaferri to propose solutions for protection against rockfalls. Several types of protections were necessary to meet the site’s requirements:
- RB100 UAF, RB3000, and EPFM 5000 rockfall barriers with a Galmac C2 coating and anti-corrosion paint on the poles. The Galmac C2 has a lifespan 2.5 times longer than a zinc coating because it consists of an alloy of 95% zinc and 5% aluminum. It is particularly suitable in aggressive environments like marine settings.
- High-resistance Steelgrid HR protected with Polimac (next-generation polymer coating).
- Cable nets and anchors.
Maccaferri’s teams adapted to the site context by proposing more durable solutions, offering technical assistance, and conducting site acceptance visits. Additionally, the EPFM 5000 and RB3000 screens are easy to install due to the absence of base post anchors.