Faster protection against landslides

More and more landslides are sweeping across Norwegian roads. A 2.7-tonne boulder crashes into a van from a height of 55 metres. In a fraction of a second, the vehicle is completely wrecked.

A rock of the same size is dropped from the same height, but hits an aluminium structure above the vehicle. The rock bounces slightly before coming to rest. The aluminium panels remain intact, and the vehicle underneath is completely undamaged.

Fortunately, the cars are empty – because this time it is only a test, showing how different the outcomes can be when a rockslide occurs. Bypass Skredsikring AS is demonstrating its innovative solution: an aluminium safety tunnel made from prefabricated modules that can be installed quickly.

'For 100 years, we have protected our roads in much the same way. Climate change will inevitably lead to more landslides, and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration already has to prioritise which roads to protect. We have developed a faster, more affordable landslide protection solution, allowing more high-risk locations to be secured in less time,' explains founder Kjell Fylkesnes.

Jørgen Ulrik Berg, Senior Adviser at our regional office in Vestland, is also enthusiastic about Bypass's solution. The company has received grants in two rounds.

- We believe the concept is innovative in its use of materials, impact-absorbing technology and design. Bypass can be built much faster than traditional concrete shelters and in locations where such shelters are not feasible.

Vestland is the county with the highest number of landslides, and the entrepreneur from Stord knows the issue well. He has worked in the automotive industry for 45 years and has always taken a keen interest in transport.

- Avalanches put lives at risk and often force roads to close for long periods, with no suitable alternative routes. This affects both local residents and businesses in the area.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea had time to flourish, and Fylkesnes continued exploring the concept of developing a sloping roof over the road as an alternative to traditional tunnels, concrete shelters or netting. He drew inspiration from neighbouring company Aker Solutions in Stord, which dismantles old oil platforms and recycles the steel.

Fylkesnes contacted experts in geology and rockfall protection, who were also excited by the idea and wanted to help explore its potential. After further investigation, they concluded that aluminium was a better material for the panels, combined with steel frames.

'Aluminium is lighter than steel, requires less maintenance, and offers far greater flexibility in movement and shaping. Aluminium is also 100 per cent recyclable,' the founder points out.

Bypass's roof structure consists of four layers capable of absorbing up to 90 per cent of the energy from an avalanche. The solution has now been patented.

Fylkesnes says: 'Calculations by AsplanViak also show that the structure emits over 90 per cent less CO2 than tunnels during the construction phase, and 47.7 per cent less than concrete avalanche protection.'

Although the founders of Bypass have extensive experience in their respective industries, the start-up phase itself was new to them. Soon after establishing the company in 2021, they contacted the Atheno incubator in Stord, which helped them with applications to us, among other things.

As part of the application process, they also took part in our advisory panel, which consists of three to five people with specialist expertise in the relevant technology, industry and market. The panel advises both the applicant and us on the next steps for the project.

'The advisory panel included geologists with expertise in landslide risk. They gave us a great deal of useful input and have continued to be a valuable resource,' says Fylkesnes.

The company also works closely with rockfall protection experts and various research teams at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Together with the university, they have conducted several full-scale tests of the solution, with waste management company Ragn-Sells providing 25 cars destined for scrapping that were put through their paces.

Bypass Skredsikring is now preparing for production and has received NOK 8.4 million from us.

- It is, of course, extremely valuable to us. As owners, we have also invested NOK 10 million. That comes out of our MTA funds, Fylkesnes says with a smile, adding that it means 'less for the heirs'.

The plan is to manufacture 95 per cent of the product in Norway. The goal is to achieve sales of NOK 250 million in the domestic market in 2025, before expanding into other European countries with similar terrain. The company is close to securing its first customers, which may include public authorities, contractors and the transport sector.

The company recently submitted a bid for a pilot project for the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, involving 60 metres of avalanche protection along the E39 near Moi. It is also in talks with Trollstigen, Vestland County Council and Statkraft.