Overview
ISO 17746:2016 - "Steel wire rope net panels and rolls - Definitions and specifications" defines the characteristics, construction, performance and testing requirements for steel wire rope net panels and rolls used for slope retention and rockfall, debris-flow and snow-avalanche protection. The standard covers materials (metallic-coated wire ropes), knot types, net geometries (panels and rolls), corrosion/ageing requirements and mandatory test methods for knots and nets.
Keywords: ISO 17746:2016, steel wire rope net panels, wire rope net rolls, rockfall protection, slope stabilization, avalanche protection, corrosion resistance, knot testing
Key technical topics and requirements
- Product scope and use: Net panels and rolls manufactured from metallic-coated steel wire ropes for roadside, railway, urban, mine/quarry and avalanche protection applications.
- Net construction: Accepts square and other net shapes (triangular, rhomboidal, etc.); panels or rolls; knot options include double knot, clips/staple knot, and knots without clips.
- Materials:
- Wire for knots: minimum tensile strength 350 N/mm², nominal minimum diameter 3.00 mm, zinc‑aluminium coating in accordance with ISO 7989‑1/2 (class A).
- Wire ropes: conform to ISO 2408 (examples in the standard list typical rope constructions such as 6×7+WC and 6×19+WC).
- Typical net sizes and rope diameters: Standard examples include 250×250, 300×300 and 400×400 mm nominal net sizes with rope diameters ranging from ~8 mm to 16 mm (see Table 1 in the standard for specifics).
- Corrosion and ageing: Neutral salt spray benchmarks (ISO 9227) define exposure durations and acceptance of ≤5 % DBR for coating classes (e.g., Zn class B 200 h, Zn class A 500 h, Zn95Al5 class A 1 000 h, advanced coatings up to 2 000 h).
- Mechanical testing:
- Knot tests: maximum slipping force and tear‑break measured on a calibrated traction rig (minimum three samples).
- Net tests: longitudinal tensile test with no lateral contraction and load bearing capacity tests are defined.
- Quality & documentation: Sampling, inspection and certification requirements referenced to ISO 10474, ISO 22034‑1 and EN 10204.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
ISO 17746:2016 is used by:
- Civil and geotechnical engineers specifying protective meshes for slope stabilization, rockfall and avalanche mitigation
- Manufacturers and suppliers of steel wire rope nets and fastening systems
- Contractors installing roadside, railway, mine and quarry protective systems
- Transport agencies and safety authorities assessing product compliance and longevity
The standard helps ensure consistent performance, corrosion resistance and reliable test procedures for safety‑critical retention systems.
Related standards (normative references)
- ISO 2408 - Steel wire ropes for general purposes
- ISO 7989‑1 / ISO 7989‑2 - Non‑ferrous metallic coatings on steel wire
- ISO 9227 - Neutral salt spray (corrosion testing)
- ISO 22034‑1 - Test methods for steel wire and wire products
- ISO 7500‑1 - Calibration/verification of tensile testing machines
- ISO 10474, EN 10204 - Inspection/documentation requirements
For specification, procurement or design use the full text of ISO 17746:2016 and the referenced standards.