Numerical modelling of double-twisted wire mesh for low-energy rockfall catch fences

Al-Budairi, H. , Gao, Z. and Steel, A. (2023) Numerical modelling of double-twisted wire mesh for low-energy rockfall catch fences. Geosciences, 13(6), 180. (doi: 10.3390/geosciences13060180)

Abstract

Low-energy rockfall catch fences are designed to protect infrastructure such as railways and roads wherein the kinetic energy of falling rocks is less than 100 kJ. The typical design consists of a double-twisted steel wire mesh supported by ground posts and strengthened by anchoring wire ropes. The fence stops falling rocks by dissipating the impact energy mainly through elastoplastic stretching of steel wires in the mesh. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model for double-twisted wire mesh was developed in Abaqus/Explicit. The model has been verified using both quasi-static loading and impact tests. It was found that proper geometrical representation is essential for accurate simulation of wire deformation modes and the interaction between double-twisted wires. The model also enables the application of the real stress–strain relationship of a single steel wire in constitutive models.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded by The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) programme of the Innovate UK (Project number: 9980) and QTS Group Ltd.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gao, Dr Zhiwei and Al-Budairi, Dr Hassan
• Authors: Al-Budairi, H., Gao, Z., and Steel, A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
• Journal Name: Geosciences
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2076-3263
• ISSN (Online): 2076-3263
• Published Online: 15 June 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Geosciences 13(6): 180
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License