Rope access methods in slope risk assessment and remediation

Rope Access Methods provide a safe, cost effective and efficient means of improving the quality of slope risk assessments and inspection of installed remediation measures in areas where access by conventional means is not possible or practical. The method provides a means for observing slope conditions at close quarters thereby enabling hazard identification, trigger mechanisms and detachment probabilities to be assessed with greater confidence. Case studies presented in this paper demonstrate how Rope Access Methods used by experienced geotechnical professionals can be carried out on a site in conjunction with other works. This not only improves the quality of assessments but can reduce project costs and disruption to public infrastructure and public areas.