The different rock catcher systems are a field of investigation of its own.

Tests are carried out in the laboratory to assess the strength of  catcher net components and dissipators activated by the impact of falling rocks.

Most significant are the dynamic tests during which stresses produced in the structure by the impact of rocks falling on the catcher net are measured directly and continuously.
In a test field close to Trento measurements have been made under test conditions that are very close to reality : a cement block dumped from a purpose made ropeway.

Speed and dumping point can be varied as necessary to have the cement block fall in the centre of the net to be tested.
The block is recovered by the same ropeway.

While this test is being carried out operators of the laboratory measure stresses produced during no more than a few tenth of a second in the fixing anchor and in the dissipators. Special high capacity load cells have been built and calibrated in the laboratory. Existing standards and regulations, in particular specifications for experimental verification, are not adequate. Yet, seen that new standards are at present being drafted the laboratory can play an important role by making a valuable contribution to the protection of  land.