An experimental investigation of the response of slender protective structures to rockfall impacts

摘要

This article investigates the mechanical response of slender rockfall protection embankments subjected to impacts based on real-scale experiments. More specifically, it deals with rectangular (in cross-section) vertical-sided gabion structures, designed to meet footprint constraints. These three-layered structures, 3 m in width and 4 m in height, are made up of gabion cages filled with different materials, depending on their location in the structure. Real-scale experiments were conducted with impact energies up to about 2000 kJ on two structures differing by the fill material used for their middle layer: ballast or sand-tire mixture. The experiments demonstrate the capacity of these slender structures in resisting high-energy impacts. The response of the structures is also addressed considering data obtained using different measuring techniques and a large number of sensors within the structure. The results are presented and discussed with the aim of highlighting some issues associated with the structure impact response, such as the load lateral diffusion, stone breakage, the contribution of the wire mesh, and the fill material characteristics. In the end, a structure with a middle layer filled with ballast appears more efficient in reducing the structure back face displacement.