Experiments and numerical modeling of a rockfall protective wire rope fence

Abstract

To protect existing structures in mountainous areas against rockfall, various protection methods have been developed. A new type of rockfall protection fence is constructed of posts, wire ropes, and wire netting. To verify the performance of this rock fence, both experiments and numerical analysis based on finite element code were conducted. Collision tests were performed, in which a reinforced-concrete block rolled down a natural slope and struck the rock fence at the end of the slope. The performance of energy absorbers, which are effective in preventing wire ropes from breaking, was investigated. To measure the acceleration of a reinforced-concrete block rolling down a steep slope, a new system of measuring instruments was developed. © 2012 International Journal of GEOMATE.