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Walenstadt, Switzerland, April 2025. Geobrugg has set a new benchmark in rockfall protection: Its RXE-12500 barrier withstood a 25-ton concrete block impacting at 115 km/h (71.46 mph), absorbing a record of over 12,500 kilojoules of energy. This world-first offers new possibilities in rockfall protection.
Geobrugg has successfully tested its latest rockfall barrier, achieving unprecedented results. The tests involved a 25-metric-ton concrete block released from a 52-meter height. When hitting the barrier, the block reached an impact speed of 115 km/h (71.46 mph). The ringnet barrier withstood an impact energy of 12,500 kilojoules and absorbed an energy of 14,100 kilojoules.
This test surpassed the previous record set in October 2017; the company successfully tested the impact energy of 10,000 kilojoules. Geobrugg's technological advancements highlight the company’s commitment to enhancing safety measures against natural hazards.
Addressing Global Challenges
The successful testing of the RXE-12500 rockfall barrier marks a significant milestone in natural hazard mitigation. As global warming increases the frequency and intensity of natural hazards, advanced protective measures like the RXE-12500 are becoming increasingly essential. This barrier’s ability to absorb and deflect high-impact forces makes it a valuable tool for protecting settlements and infrastructure in areas prone to rockfalls.
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Advantages of the 12500-kilojoules system
The RXE-12500 rockfall barrier offers several advantages over traditional protective measures.
- Economical
Compared to reinforced concrete constructions or earth dams, the material costs for the RXE-12500 ring net barrier are minimal, reducing transport and logistics costs.
- Highest Standards Worldwide
The barrier has been tested in vertical free fall according to the EAD-340059-00-0106-2018 Falling Rock Protection Kits. Compared to other testing methods, the vertical drop test represents the most demanding test for the system.
- Space-Saving
It is compact and can be placed close to endangered objects, providing effective protection without requiring extensive space.
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Facts
- 25 metric tons concrete block
- 52 meters free-falling
- 115 km/h (71.46 mph) test block impact
- 12,500 kJ impact energy into the rockfall protection system
- 14 100 kJ total absorbed energy
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Contact
Geobrugg, Switzerland
+41 71 466 84
info@geobrugg.com
About Geobrugg - Safety is our nature
True to this guiding principle, we have been developing and manufacturing protection solutions since 1951. High-tensile steel wire nets and matching services monitor and protect against natural hazards such as rockfall, landslides, debris flows, avalanches, and coastal erosion. They ensure safety in mining, tunneling, motorsports tracks, industry, and test facilities. With experience, a spirit of research, continuous internal training, and close cooperation with research institutes, we drive innovation and industry standards.
More than 500 specialists work for Geobrugg worldwide. Production facilities on all continents and a presence in over 50 countries ensure proximity to the customer and rapid project implementation—from requirements analysis to acceptance. Geobrugg, headquartered in Romanshorn, Switzerland, is an independent company within the BRUGG GROUP. More about Geobrugg