SR20

Site 20 is located twelve kilometres south of Kaikoura and was a project resulting from the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. The coast south of Kaikoura is exposed and forms a narrow corridor containing State Highway 1 and the Main North Rail Line connecting the upper and lower South Island. During the earthquake a considerable amount of rock released from the cliff and impacted on assets below.

The project design included the installation of rock anchors located at 2.6m centres and staggered to form a regular diamond pattern over the face. These anchors work in conjunction with Geobrugg TECCO G65/3 mesh and Spike Plates were used to create a homogeneous support system to prevent the release of further material. All works were conducted using rope access and rigging techniques utilising purpose built rope access drilling equipment. All materials, equipment and personnel were transported to site via helicopter and long line where clear communication was critical to safely receive loads.

In addition to the main works, temporary works in the form of scaling, up slope barriers and roadside rockfall protection were all developed and installed.