Attenuator systems ?an old method to deviate rocks but a new testing method for developing a design concept

摘要

Rockfall attenuator systems, also known as hybrid rockfall barriers or hanging nets, are a widely applied rockfall mitigation method. Although they are conceptually a straight forward design, to-date, a definitive design guide remains elusive. Among some of the first testing of these systems e.g. Glover et al. 2012, a boarder understanding of the key mechanics, with which they function, has been attained. For example, the process of deflecting rocks to increased ground contact and catching and tangling of the rocks in the attenuator systems has been observed. Nonetheless, these observations remain to be quantified in detail, so they could be developed into a design guide.Addressing this need, a joint testing program is being carried out by Wyllie & Norrish Rock Engineers Ltd. and Geobrugg North America, to measure and validate the performance of rockfall attenuator systems. The preliminary stages of full-scale testing have been conducted at the Nicolum Quarry in Hope, British Columbia, Canada. Tests were conducted using natural rocks of different sizes, <0.5 m~3, and steel reinforced concrete cubes, with dimensions of 0.42 and 1.0 m~3, dropped into a slope, with a height potential of 60 m, leading to impact with the attenuator netting.