Colorado's Full-Scale Field Testing of Rockfall Attenuator Systems

摘要

The purpose of this circular is to provide the results of a recently completed study to geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists responsible for managing and mitigating rockfalls. The study, sponsored by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), was conducted to provide a better understanding of the durability and performance of several currently available mesh and cable net products that can be used to construct rockfall attenuator systems, for which no design guidelines exist. With the technical support of consultant Yeh and Associates, Inc., of Denver, Colorado, CDOT developed a test site and completed research that resulted in CDOT's development and construction of an attenuator system at a very difficult rockfall site. The testing described in this circular provides useful data that practitioners may use as they make design decisions when considering attenuator systems. Rockfall mitigations are generally grouped into one of three major categories: avoidance, stabilization, or protection measures. Avoidance measures rely on relocating the endangered facility. Stabilization techniques are used to support or secure potential rockfalls in place to keep them from initiating. The goal of protection measures is to control or capture rockfalls once they initiate and restrict them from endangering a structure or facility, such as a highway. Attenuator systems fall into the protection category.