ABSTRACT
Flexible rope net systems frequently open up interesting and cost effective application possibilities. Often used in the past or still in use are square or rectangular nets of stranded ropes with a diameter of normally 8-10 mm, joined at the crossing points with cross clamps or wire coils. Sometimes a thicker rope running along the periphery is used to strengthen the boundary zone. A representative example of this system is the PENTIFIX® system. The nail pattern is determined by the size and geometry of the panels. This renders project specific adaptation and optimizing of the nailing difficult. Originally such systems were used for protecting creeping slopes. Deformation of the protection system was taken for granted. In addition to large area applications flexible rope nets are often used to protect individual critical boulders which can endanger persons or infrastructure objects.
