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Geobrugg CONSIS Expert Course - Operation, inspection and maintenance of flexible safety structures against natural hazards
This 2 ½ day expert course is designed to enable participants to assess flexible protection systems from the perspective of system designers and different manufacturers. This requires a basic knowledge of the function of the individual components and how they act together as part of an overall system. Systems and components will be inspected from 0 to 50 years old. This allows older, untested, “third-party” structures to be better assessed and evaluated for their protective function compared to modern safety standards.
Contents
We focus on flexible protection systems made of stranded wire ropes, nets and meshes, steel posts, base plates, braking elements and the associated small components. These are systems for protection against rockfall, debris flow and avalanches. The assessment of flexible slope stabilisation systems with nets and meshes in combination with soil nailing, as well as possibilities for assessing flexible special structures against snow slide, tree fall, etc., are also presented.
The course will focus primarily on the superstructure, i.e. all visible components of a flexible protective structure. The possibilities regarding anchoring, nailing and foundations will be discussed to be able to consider further testing requirements.
Your benefit
The expert course CONSIS lays the foundation for a better understanding of the components and protective function of the structures.
- You will get an overview of the function of the individual components and how they work as an overall system.
- You will be trained to check how the systems are installed correctly and according to the system manuals.
- You will learn to assess safety structures against natural hazards about their protective effect.
- In operation, structures are often unobserved for long periods of time. You will get an insight into modern methods of obtaining information about the structure outside inspections.
- Different methods for inspection, in analogue and digital form, are presented.
- We show systematic approaches to inspect and assess flexible protection systems.
- In the test laboratory we show options for testing individual components to be able to estimate the remaining service life.
Target group
- CONSIS is aimed at experts in the field of natural hazards, such as engineers and geologists, planners, investors, and contractors who work in the field of natural hazards and install such systems.
Participation requirements
- preferably, you have experience implementing flexible protection measures to protect against natural hazards.
- You have a basic understanding of the operation of flexible protection systems against natural hazards, such as rockfall, debris flow, and avalanches, and have experience with flexible slope stabilisation systems.
- You are confident in rough terrain. Training on PPEgA (Personal Protective Equipment against falls from a height) or working on a hanging rope - Level 1 or higher, is an advantage.
Completion
After successfully completing the course, a TÜV certificate is issued, which can be presented in certain countries as proof of qualification. The course and the certificate CONSIS are personal.
Speakers and method
Our employees and speakers are trained mechanical engineers, technicians, civil engineers and geologists. They have many years of experience in developing and assessing flexible protection measures, as well as advice on the maintenance of flexible protection structures. In addition to the theoretical basics, the focus is on practical training in our test facility in Walenstadt; following on from practical training, laboratory tests and their possible interpretations are discussed.
The CONSIS expert course is organized in cooperation with and certified by TÜV Süd.
Additional advantages
Beyond the course, other exclusive benefits are available to you as a CONSIS course participant:
- You get access to the online area Inspectors CONSIS. Here you will find course materials, assessment aids, assessment options, old manuals, and technical articles.
- Access to exclusive webinars for CONSIS certificate holders where individual topics are further discussed. These also serve to exchange experiences between the participants.
- After passing the exam, participants receive a certificate issued by TÜV Süd.
Recertification:
The certificate is valid for 3 years. To extend the TÜV certificate, a proof of practical experience is required. A letter from the employer stating that the participant has professional experience of at least 2 years (does not have to be continuous) through regular work within the framework of flexible safety structures against natural hazards.
Not Part of the course:
- assessment of the hazard
- Risk assessment
- Operational matters, e.g. for road and rail operators
- No "recipe" is given, but the possibilities for assessing and evaluating the buildings
Registration & Participation Fee
The cost of the course is CHF 3.837,55 incl. 8.1% VAT
(Invoice in € is possible on request)
The following services are included in the costs:
Training and training materials
3 overnight stays*
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
*Also bookable without overnight stay (CHF 3.372,70.- incl. 8.1% VAT)
The number of participants is limited to 15 persons. We need at least 8 participants for the implementation of the course. Please register bindingly for the course by 08.03.2024 at the latest. If necessary, we will keep a waiting list. Please get in touch with us directly.
Time schedule
Sunday, April 14th 2024
Individual journey to Walenstadt
18:30 Dinner
Monday, April 15th 2024
Theory
Principles for the assessment of flexible protection systems.
- Flexible protective structures against natural hazards
- The individual components: Structure, purpose and function
- Factors influencing service life and functional capability
- Line and area priorities
- systematic approach to inspect protection systems
Practice:
Assessment of components and classification with regard to their usability.
- Overview of current systems and components
- assembling of wire rope clips
- Inspection:
- Systematic approach
- Detecting and finding of damages
- Assessment rockfall protection systems and slope stabilizations
- Application of inspection checklist
Tuesday, April 16th 2024
Theory
- Protection against corrosion
- The correct installation and safety at work
- Adaptations of the protective structures to the local conditions
- Approvals and standards
- Guidelines and regulations for the inspection of protection systems
- Maintenance Management
- Remote Monitoring (GUARD)
- Final exam
Practice:
- Procedure and tools for the inspection of structures
- Inspection of barrier in the field
Wednesday, April 17th 2024
Journey to Romanshorn
Quality assurance laboratory - Geobrugg Romanshorn
- Presentation test laboratory
- tensile tests on stranded wire ropes
- Determination of the residual zinc coating on samples of protective structures
- Verification of the load-carrying capacity of high-strength wire meshes
- Estimation of remaining life time
Optional: Factory tour of Geobrugg
Individual departure from Romanshorn approx. 14:00
Subject to changes
