Prototype of a wire-rope rockfall protective fence developed with three-dimensional numerical modeling

• Published in: Computers and geotechnics Vol. 54; pp. 84 - 93
• Main Authors: Tran, Phuc Van, Maegawa, Koji, Fukada, Saiji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-10-2013
• Subjects: Computer simulation; Dissipation; Energy absorber; Fences; Impact location; Mathematical models; Nonlinearity; Numerical procedure; Prototypes; Rockfall; Three dimensional models; Three-dimensional modeling; Wire; Wire rope; Wire rope; Numerical procedure; Energy absorber; Three-dimensional modeling; Rockfall; Impact location
• ISSN: 0266-352X; 1873-7633
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compgeo.2013.06.008

This study uses a numerical procedure, previously validated with data from full-scale experiments, to investigate the performance of a modified prototype wire-rope fence to provide protection against rockfall. The cost-reducing modifications are increased post spacing and fewer wire netting layers. The numerical procedure provides the nonlinear response of the prototype under various impact conditions and insights into each component’s role in dissipating impact energy. A simple but effective method to increase fence capacity is also developed. Finally, the use of two units of the prototype to protect a wide area is investigated employing the numerical procedure.