Improving Protection Against Rockfall Accidents on Railway Networks

Al-Budairi, H. , Gao, Z. , Steel, A., Davies, T. and Wheeler, S. (2017) Improving Protection Against Rockfall Accidents on Railway Networks. KTP Associates Conference 2017, Birmingham, UK, 21 Jun 2017. (Unpublished)

Abstract

Low-energy rockfall catch fence is a mechanical structure that uses along the tracksides in the mountain regions to stop destabilised rocks and debris, which located on side slopes, from reaching and damaging the train track. In contrast to other means of rockfall protection systems that use bespoke components and require heavy machinery for installation, low energy catch fence uses readily available components and requires only manpower for installation. This makes it a cheaper and a practical solution for railway safety projects. However, these fences were developed primarily by engineering experience which cannot ensure effective protection over the wide range of loading conditions. Thus, an effective design approach is needed to ensure the fence can provide the required level of protection. As one of the largest railway infrastructure services contractors in the UK, QTS Ltd engaged with the University of Glasgow in this KTP project to develop the design of low energy rockfall catch fences in order to enhance safety on the railways. The project aims to develop an efficient and a cost-effective design of low energy rockfall catch fences by using advanced numerical modelling techniques and full-scale field tests.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Unpublished
• 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., Davies, T., and Wheeler, S.
• Subjects: T Technology > T Technology (General); T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General); T Technology > TF Railroad engineering and operation
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment

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