PROTECTING A ROCK SLOPE WITH ROPE ACCESS – VRATSA

The project covers the protection and strengthening of a heavily eroded rock slope with an area of ​​4000 m², located in close proximity to the emblematic for the region of Vratsa, the Mountaineer’s House – a key tourist and alpine base at the foot of the Vratsa Balkan.

“Vertical Group” Ltd. is a specialized company for services through rope access and industrial mountaineering, and the implementation of the site was realized entirely by working at height in a difficult-to-reach environment.

The rock massif has an average height of about 90 meters and is characterized by the presence of erosion processes, cracks and individual unstable rock fragments, creating a potential risk of collapses and threatening the safety of tourists. In this regard, before the actual strengthening activities began, a detailed collapse of the slope was carried out using rope access (alpine method), in which all unstable and dangerous elements, as well as areas with surface erosion, were removed.

The meshing of the slope was carried out using the “curtain” technology, widely used in rock reinforcement and slope protection. This system allows for effective retention of falling rocks and limitation of landslide processes, while preserving the natural appearance of the rock massif.

A double-twisted hexagonal steel mesh with high strength was installed, and the fastening was carried out by anchoring in the upper part of the slope every 1 meter. For additional strengthening and stability of the system, the individual strips of mesh were reinforced with steel ropes with a diameter of φ 8, ensuring uniform distribution of loads.

All activities to secure the rock slope were carried out using rope access, which allows for effective and safe work in high and hard-to-reach places without the need for heavy machinery and with minimal impact on the environment. This method is fundamental in industrial mountaineering and is particularly suitable for sites with complex terrain and limited access.

Given the fact that the rock slope falls within the boundaries of a protected area – the natural landmark “Vratsata”, all activities were carried out in strict compliance with regulatory requirements and after coordination with the Regional Inspectorate for Environment, Water and Water – Vratsa.

The climber’s home is located in the area of ​​the natural landmark “Vratsata” – one of the most impressive rock formations in Bulgaria and a symbol of the city of Vratsa. The place is well known both among mountain tourism enthusiasts and among professional climbers and climbers, due to the wealth of routes with varying degrees of difficulty.

For decades, the Mountaineer’s House has served as a main base for training, preparation and conducting alpine activities, as well as a starting point for numerous tourist routes in the Vratsa Balkan region and the Vratsa Balkan Nature Park.

After a long period of neglect, the building is undergoing a complete reconstruction and modernization, in order to restore its importance as an attractive center for tourism, sports and recreation. It is in connection with the future operation of the site and the need to guarantee the safety of visitors and infrastructure that it became necessary to carry out rock reinforcement and securing activities on the adjacent slope.

With the implementation of this project, Vertical Group OOD strengthens its expertise as a rope access and work at height company, contributing to increasing safety in the region of one of the most visited natural and tourist destinations in Northwestern Bulgaria.