The steep, shrouded slope along the river Rhine between the German villages of Lorch and Assmannhausen is called the 'Teufelskadrich'. The railway line of the German Federal Railway and the motorway run alongside the river Rhine, between the toe of the slope and the river bench. In July 2008, after heavy rain and thunderstorms, several landslides and small debris flows occurred in the area, which closed the railway line for several days. Twelve flexible ring net barriers were designed, manufactured and installed within two months as part of an emergency procedure. These barriers were tested and developed with 1:1 field tests in a research project in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Snow and Landscape (WSL). These light weight, ring net barriers are quick to install, and are suitable for slopes with difficult access. They also have the ability to blend in with nature once installed, which was important in the 'Teufelskadrich' area, as the valley is a popular tourist destination. With the new barriers installed on the slope, mobilised material is drained and retained during a landslide or debris flow, by the filtering–effect of the ring net barriers. As an additional measure, some of the deposited debris has been stabilized using a slope stabilisation system, utilising high– tensile chain link mesh and soil nails. Most of the future material is thus already retained in the catchment area, further reducing erosion and limiting mass mobilisation during an event.

landslide, debris flow, flexible ring net barriers, slope stabilisation system, high–tensile chain link mesh