Rockfall Protection Technology. Fundamentals of Attenuator System Design

Authors

  • Roberto Luis Geobrugg Iberica
  • Helen Hofman Geobrugg AG
  • Sergio Mark Geobrugg Andina

Keywords:

Rockfall Protection, Attenuator Systems, Block Dynamics

Abstract

Attenuators are a rockfall protection solution that combines a flexible rockfall barrier with a block-guiding membrane. To date, there are no formal solutions for their sizing. In comparison to classic flexible rockfall protection barriers, where only translational kinetic energy is considered and the block is completely stopped, attenuators present a design challenge in which both the rotational and translational components of the falling block’s velocity must be considered. Additionally, attenuator systems are not designed to stop the block entirely; rather, their function is to modify the trajectory and moderate the speed. To develop a sizing concept that addresses these dynamics, it is essential to fully understand the attenuation process.

A joint program between Willis & Norrish Rock Engineers (Canada), Geobrugg North America, and Geobrugg (Switzerland) has investigated this process in detail. The load on the system, attenuation processes, and the significance of the rotational component were analyzed through a series of full-scale tests over a three-year period at the Hope Quarry in British Columbia, Canada. This contribution provides insights into the analysis of the load mechanisms acting on the attenuator system during block impact. The block movement dynamics are compared between the data collected from sensors integrated into the test blocks, high-speed video analysis, and simulations of the fall using specialized software.

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Published

2024-12-23

How to Cite

Luis , R., Hofman , H., & Mark , S. (2024). Rockfall Protection Technology. Fundamentals of Attenuator System Design. Journal of Construction and Civil Engineering, 12(3), 1–8. Retrieved from https://rioc.ufro.cl/index.php/rioc/article/view/3375

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 3 (2024): RIOC

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Roberto Luis , Helen Hofman , Sergio Mark

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