The application of expanded polystyrene cushion layer in oblique flexible net systems for rockfall protection: A new attempt. Issue 2 (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Wenkang; Shi, Shaoqing; Liu, Yingfeng; Wang, Gaosheng
• Is Part Of: International journal of protective structures. Volume 9:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 156
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Expanded polystyrene cushion layer -- oblique flexible net systems -- finite element method numerical simulation -- "self-cleaning" effect -- attenuation effect; Buildings -- Protection -- Periodicals; Buildings -- Blast effects -- Periodicals; Building, Bombproof -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Shock (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; 624.176
• DOI: 10.1177/2041419617719295
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-4196

Abstract

An expanded polystyrene cushion layer is usually not applied in flexible net systems for rockfall protection. This study presents a new attempt by conducting serial free-fall tests of blocks impacting oblique flexible net systems with and without expanded polystyrene cushion layers. Thus, axial forces of support ropes and the video of impact process were obtained. Additionally, finite element method numerical simulations were carried out based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The "self-cleaning" effect of oblique flexible net systems was depicted in detail. Furthermore, the attenuation effect of expanded polystyrene cushion layers was illustrated due to a decrease in axial forces, which can correspond to a maximum of 22.1%. A comparison of axial forces between tests and finite element method numerical simulations was made, and this validated the efficiency of the finite element method numerical simulations.