Finite element modeling of the TECCO protection system for rock-fall under impact loading

Abstract

The TECCO protection system consists of the high strength components such as the high tensile steel (HTS) wire mesh and the high strength thread bar. This system is used in the construction for slope stabilization, ground support, landslide protection, especially rock-fall protection. The purpose of this study was to predict the behavior of the wire mesh under impact loading of rock-fall. A finite element has been constructed in order to model the impact between a rock of 0.5 tons and a rectangular wire mesh with high velocity. The mechanical response of the HTS material is assumed as elastic-plastic-isotropic material. Further, the contact behavior within the steel wire mesh and rock-fall are also considered in the model using the Coulomb friction model. Thanks to ABAQUS/Explicit based on finite element method, the impact phenomenon will be clarified. The model may help to reduce the number of experiments with high cost.