Experiments and Dynamic Finite Element Analysis of a Wire-Rope Rockfall Protective Fence

• Published in: Rock mechanics and rock engineering Vol. 46; no. 5; pp. 1183 - 1198
• Main Authors: Tran, Phuc Van, Maegawa, Koji, Fukada, Saiji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vienna Springer Vienna 01-09-2013; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Civil Engineering; Computer simulation; Dynamics; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Emergency preparedness; Exact sciences and technology; Fences; Finite element analysis; Finite element method; Geophysics/Geodesy; Geotechnics; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Measuring instruments; Mountain regions; Natural slope; Numerical analysis; Original Paper; Rock; Rockfall; Rocks; Simulation; Soil mechanics. Rocks mechanics; Stresses. Safety; Structural analysis. Stresses; Structural behavior; Wire; Wire rope; Numerical simulation; Energy absorber; Rockfall; Rock fence; Protective device; System design; Rockfalls; Experimental study; Finite element method; Scorch; Fence; Behavior; Dynamic model
• ISSN: 0723-2632; 1434-453X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00603-012-0340-0

The imperative need to protect structures in mountainous areas against rockfall has led to the development of various protection methods. This study introduces a new type of rockfall protection fence made of posts, wire ropes, wire netting and energy absorbers. The performance of this rock fence was verified in both experiments and dynamic finite element analysis. In collision tests, a reinforced-concrete block rolled down a natural slope and struck the rock fence at the end of the slope. A specialized system of measuring instruments was employed to accurately measure the acceleration of the block without cable connection. In particular, the performance of two energy absorbers, which contribute also to preventing wire ropes from breaking, was investigated to determine the best energy absorber. In numerical simulation, a commercial finite element code having explicit dynamic capabilities was employed to create models of the two full-scale tests. To facilitate simulation, certain simplifying assumptions for mechanical data of each individual component of the rock fence and geometrical data of the model were adopted. Good agreement between numerical simulation and experimental data validated the numerical simulation. Furthermore, the results of numerical simulation helped highlight limitations of the testing method. The results of numerical simulation thus provide a deeper understanding of the structural behavior of individual components of the rock fence during rockfall impact. More importantly, numerical simulations can be used not only as supplements to or substitutes for full-scale tests but also in parametric study and design.