Experimental study concerning impact characteristics by collision of weight on sand cushion over steel beam

Abstract

Sand cushion is often utilized in rockfall protection structures as a shock absorber. Impact by rockfall is considered one of the most important variable loads for protection structures. To clarify the evaluation method and the buffering effects of impact force, the series of weight impact experiment were conducted. A simple supported double steel beam was used to reproduce the behavior of structure. Experiments were carried out by the free fall of the weight to the sand tank installed at the center of simply supported double steel H beams. The impact force of the weight and transmitted force under the sand tank as well as displacements of beam and strains of the beam were measured. Dynamic characteristics of impact force, transmitted force to the steel beam and behavior of the beam were investigated. Dynamic interaction between sand and beam, shock absorbing effect of sand and also the transfer ratio of kinetic energy of rockfall to the structure were shown. © 2013, International Journal of GEOMATE.