Modelling and Optimising of a Light-Weight Rockfall Catch Fence System

Al-Budairi, H. , Gao, Z. , Steel, A., Wheeler, S. and Davies, T. (2016) Modelling and Optimising of a Light-Weight Rockfall Catch Fence System. In: NAFEMS UK Conference 2016, Telford, UK, 15-16 June 2016, pp. 129-132.

Abstract

Rockfall catch fence is a mechanical barrier system that is used at the foot of cliffs to stop and retain falling rocks from reaching nearby infrastructures. A typical system comprises of a high tensile strength wire mesh that is anchored to the ground by rigid posts and strengthened to the lateral and upslope sides by anchoring tension cables. Additional components, such as shock absorbers, might be added to improve the system capacity to dissipate energy. This multi-component system characterises by geometrical complexity and high nonlinear response to impact loads. A light-weight catch fence system is a simple system that can be easily installed in a time efficient manner using manpower rather than heavy machinery, which makes it ideal for railways located in mountainous and difficult terrain regions where there is difficulty in accessing sites with limited workspaces and restricted installation times. However, this should be combined with a proper design to ensure that the system provides the required protection to impede falling rocks from reaching the train lines. In this paper, a parametric study based on finite element analysis is developed to optimise the design of a light-weight catch fence system that has an energy absorption capacity of up to 100 kJ.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gao, Dr Zhiwei and Davies, Dr Trevor and Wheeler, Professor Simon and Al-Budairi, Dr Hassan
• Authors: Al-Budairi, H., Gao, Z., Steel, A., Wheeler, S., and Davies, T.
• Subjects: T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General); T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
• Research Group: Infrastructure and Environment
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the publisher.

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