NATURAL WIRE MESH SYSTEM SUPPORTS CORONET PEAK SKI SLOPE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Coronet Peak is New Zealand’s first commercial ski field. It is a popular destination among skiers with up to 10,000 people visiting from around the globe annually to experience the slopes during snow season.

In February 2007, Geofabrics New Zealand were approached by the consultants for design suggestions on the Coronet Peak Learners Slope Project. The client, Ski New Zealand was looking for a Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE) solution for a 4-metre-high slope situated above an alpine road that was cut at the base
of the Coronet Peak Ski Field Learners Slope. The MSE structure was required at the toe of the slope to support the construction of a maintenance road passing below the learner’s slope.

OUR SOLUTION

Geofabrics New Zealand provided technical support to the designers in developing a cost-effective retaining wall solution for the alpine site. Factors considered during the design process included snow saturation, thawing, dry summers, an exposed location, and soil stabilisation, while also ensuring the toe road remained open to allow maintenance contractors safe access to the site.

To determine the most suitable products for this project, a design software was used to analyse the stability of the slope. From the analysis reports, a wire mesh system with vegetated face was selected as the client wanted a MSE solution that would blend into the alpine environment.

The earthworks contractor set out and installed the wire mesh system. Work behind the structure involved installing Tensar® Uniaxial (RE) geogrids horizontally within the compacted backfill. The combination of compacted granular fill and Uniaxial (RE) geogrids formed a MSE structure designed to resist events that are likely to introduce failure mechanisms.

In February 2023, Geofabrics New Zealand had the opportunity to revisit the completed site. During the past 16 years, vegetation had formed over the wire mesh structure to create a stabilised slope that naturally blends into the surrounding alpine environment. The contractor can be proud of their quality installation with the structure proving to be a durable and robust solution in challenging environments and weather, withstanding earthquakes and rain with minimal impact to the slope.

PRODUCT USED

Wire Mesh System with Vegetated Face

• A modular wire system designed to create an angled vegetated finish that integrates naturally with the surrounding landscape.
• Manufactured for an expected working life of up to 120 years, ensuring long-term durability and performance
• High-grade polymer-coated wire mesh provides exceptional corrosion resistance and structural strength, ensuring reliable performance in harsh climates
• Features an integrated erosion control blanket lining to support fast, natural plant establishment