Slope Stabilisation
At PCA Ground Engineering, we provide a comprehensive range of earth retention solutions tailored to meet the demands of complex ground conditions, slope stabilisation, and structural support. Our systems include both temporary and permanent works, combining advanced techniques with practical, field-proven applications.
Rock Fall Protection Barrier & Catch Fences
PCA are the leader in rock fall safety systems designed to prevent or mitigate the impact of unstable terrain from falling rocks or debris from slopes, cliffs, or construction sites. PCA are responsible for building the largest catch fence retention system the southern hemisphere at Nerang Murwillumbah Road. Both rock fall protection barriers and catch fences are widely used to enhance and reduce rock fall hazards in the road, rail, mining and energy sectors.
Rockfall Mesh Drapery
Designed as a passive rock fall system to safely guide falling rocks or debris down a slope in a safe manner preventing rocks or debris bouncing onto trafficable areas such as roadways, railways, mines and energy sector infrastructure. Consisting of wire meshing or high tensile netting which is draped over the slope, this system is used without the need for major excavation or reinforcement. PCA have a proven track record in the application of rock fall mesh drapery on numerous high profile sites in Australia bringing together expert teams in supply of these materials to safely manage the identified risk.
Scaling, Rock Removal and Drill for Blast
Managing rock fall risk is a specialised field and an essential risk mitigation technique which can utilise a combination of hand tools, excavators, cranes and even drill for blast. It is an essential process of preparing rock surfaces to create stable work environments and contouring to enable progress in foundation construction, roadways, tunnelling and other civil infrastructure. PCA can also assist in making safe existing infrastructure to allow for ongoing community use without risk of injury or asset degradation
Rock Bolts
PCA is highly experienced at installing rock bolts utilising some of the most unique purpose built equipment in Australia with expert specialist access teams. PCA typically install reinforcing rods, anchors or bars which can be inserted into rock faces or underground excavations, they provide stability to rock masses by holding loose or unstable rock together to form one structural stable mass. PCA commonly use rock bolts in slope and cliff stabilisation, tunnels and retaining structures, enhancing rock mass integrity where there is a risk of collapse or movement to effect long term structural security .
Shotcrete
Shotcrete is a versatile and durable solution used to stabilise excavations, support retaining structures, and protect against erosion. PCA deliver high-performance shotcrete backed by expert application and strict ISO-9001 quality control. Using advanced spraying techniques, our team ensures seamless adhesion to rock and soil surfaces, creating a strong, protective layer designed to Australian and State Road Authority standards. Whether for temporary support or long-term structural reinforcement, we tailor every shotcrete installation to the unique demands of each project – ensuring safety, reliability, and lasting results.
A-Frame Micropile Walls
Multiple piles serve to encircle the entire soil mass and ground improve the site “in a network” which then internally strengthens the reinforced soil as a mass or composite. A more commonly utilised version of reticulated micropile structure is referred to as the “A frame” micropile wall, the name linked to the layout of the micropiles which when viewed in section are installed in an “A” type configuration.
The triangular soil wedge within the “A Frame” acts as a reinforced soil mass while the applied structural and geotechnical loads are carried axially within the piles. This system is often utilised in areas where the slip plane has a factor of safety around 1.00. The piles are generally installed into the underlying bedrock beneath the critical slip failure. The installation of an A frame micropile solution raises the factor of safety against failure from 1.00 pre-construction to 1.5 as a minimum post construction.
Key to the effectiveness of this system is the expertise and equipment that installs and tests and measures the finished piles, PCA has more experience installing “A Frame” micropile structures than any other Australian piling or ground engineering Company.
Ground Anchors
Ground anchors are tension-resisting elements used to stabilise retaining structures or foundations. Installed by drilling and grouting steel bars into stable strata, they are tensioned to provide active reinforcement.
Advantages:
- High load-carrying capacity
- Provides active support to walls and foundations
- Customisable for both temporary and permanent use
- Reliable in a wide range of soil and rock conditions
Soil Nails
Soil nailing involves drilling and inserting steel bars into the soil and securing them with grout. This method reinforces the ground mass, making it ideal for cut stabilisations and steep slope support.
Advantages:
- Reinforces existing ground with minimal excavation
- Cost-effective for vertical cuts and embankments
- Improves internal stability of loose soils
- Adaptable to complex geometries
Grout Retaining Walls
Grout retaining walls are formed using mini jet or jet grouting techniques to create in-situ columns that act like gravity wall panels. They are ideal for supporting adjacent structures or deep excavations in sensitive environments.
Advantages:
- Vibration-free installation – great for urban settings
- Suitable for basement and cut-face support
- Minimal disruption to surrounding structures
- Adaptable to irregular geometries
Sheet Pile Walls
Sheet pile walls consist of interlocking steel sheets driven into the ground to create a continuous earth-retaining or water-retaining barrier. Often used in temporary works for basements, cofferdams or permanent marine walls.
Advantages:
- Rapid installation
- Effective earth and water barrier
- Reusable across multiple projects
- Durable and corrosion-resistant with steel and vinyl options
Gabion Baskets
Gabion has traditionally been used for retaining walls due to its low cost compared to conventional methods.
- Rock Gabions – Durable, Sustainable Retaining Solutions
- Engineered for strength and designed for longevity, rock gabions provide flexible and environmentally friendly solutions for retaining walls, erosion control, and landscaping.
What Are Rock Gabions?
Gabions are wire mesh baskets filled with rock, designed to form strong and permeable retaining structures. They adapt to ground movement, reduce water pressure, and can blend into natural surroundings. Typically built as either mass gravity walls (relying on the weight of rock to retain the earth) or as mechanically stabilised walls utilising earth anchors to hold the wall in place.
Applications
- Slope stabilisation
- Retaining walls for roads, bridges, and infrastructure
- Erosion control along waterways and embankments
- Noise and security barriers
- Landscape architecture features
Advantages
- Durability – corrosion-protected wire mesh with quality stone fill
- Environmentally Friendly – promotes natural drainage and vegetation growth
- Cost-Effective – can be efficient to construct compared to concrete or block walls.
Soldier Piles and Lagging
Soldier piles and lagging systems provide temporary excavation support using steel H-beams placed prior to excavation. Timber, steel, or precast panels are inserted between the piles to retain soil.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective and fast to install
- Ideal for urban or confined excavation sites
- Components on some projects can be reusable reducing project costs
- Allows staged installation and excavation
Rock Dowels
Rock dowels provide passive stabilisation for fractured or weathered rock masses. Steel bars are inserted into predrilled holes and grouted in place, becoming active when movement or stress occurs.
Advantages:
- Low-maintenance, passive reinforcement
- Effective in fractured or jointed rock
- Provides resistance against shear and tension forces
- Simple installation with lasting results
Strand Anchors
Strand anchors provide high-capacity ground support for slope stabilisation, retaining walls, and deep excavations. Designed for permanent or temporary applications, these anchors ensure stability in challenging geotechnical conditions and deliver long-term performance and reliability.