Rockfall protection system

Abstract

A rockfall protection system (1) that protects an underlying support structure (40, 41) from loads exceeding a predetermined design load, wherein the protection system (1) comprises a combination of an impact energy absorbing layer (10), a force distribution layer (20), and one or more energy absorbing components (30), wherein the impact energy absorbing layer (10) is supported by the force distribution layer (20), the force distribution layer (20) is disposed on the one or more energy absorbing components (30), and the one or more energy absorbing components (30) are disposed on the support structure (40); wherein the force distribution layer (20) is a rigid planar deck structure; wherein the impact energy absorbing layer (10) comprises a tube (12) having plastic deformation characteristics, wherein the tube extends parallel to the planar deck structure; and wherein the one or more energy absorbing components (30) are designed to absorb energy through deformation, such that the combination of the impact energy absorbing layer (10), the force distribution layer (20), and the one or more energy absorbing components (30) provides the protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system and method for protecting roads, railway lines and other access roads from rockfalls, landslides, mudslides and avalanches. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the protection of public transportation systems and infrastructure is mainly achieved through the installation of protective netting, the construction of concrete corridors, tunnels, or the construction of protective ditches as barriers. These known alternatives either pose high safety risks during installation and maintenance, or are expensive, time-consuming projects with significant impacts on the local environment and topography. Existing technology

[0003] EP2489785B1 discloses an existing solution using a protective net.

[0004] WO2021152475 discloses a rockfall protection device that absorbs energy through deformation.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a protective system that is easy to transport and install.

[0006] Another objective is to improve security during the installation and maintenance of the protection system. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides a rockfall, avalanche and landslide protection system that protects the underlying support structure from loads exceeding a predetermined design load. The protection system includes a combination of an impact energy absorbing layer, a force distribution layer and one or more energy absorbing components. The impact energy absorbing layer is supported by the force distribution layer, the force distribution layer is disposed on the one or more energy absorbing components, and the one or more energy absorbing components are disposed on the surface.

[0008] The force distribution layer is a rigid planar deck structure;

[0009] The impact energy absorbing layer includes a tubular component with plastic deformation properties, the component extending parallel to the planar deck structure; and

[0010] The one or more energy-absorbing components are designed to absorb energy through deformation.

[0011] The combination of the impact energy absorbing layer, the force distribution layer, and one or more energy absorbing components provides the protection.

[0012] This invention provides a protective structure in which the combination of different components and their combined response to impact (e.g., falling rocks) protects the area below. It is this combination of components that provides protection at a lower cost than existing solutions.

[0013] This invention provides protection against falling rocks. It can also be used to protect against avalanches, landslides, and mudslides that fall on top of a protective structure. Therefore, this protective structure can protect against objects falling on it whose force vector includes a component perpendicular to each layer of the protective structure.

[0014] The force distribution layer distributes force over time from the impact energy absorption layer to the energy absorption component. In one aspect, the force distribution layer ensures energy absorption within the energy absorption component.

[0015] In one aspect, the energy-absorbing components are arranged in two or more rows, with each row spaced apart by a distance L. These two or more rows are respectively positioned on longitudinal members of the supporting structure. Therefore, the rockfall protection system does not require any continuous supporting structure because the force distribution layer transfers the load to the supports through the energy-absorbing components. Those skilled in the art will understand that the distance L can vary and be adjusted according to the size and characteristics of the area to be protected.

[0016] The impact energy absorbing layer absorbs energy through plastic deformation caused by compression of specially designed tubing. This design provides a nearly constant force during deformation, thereby controlling energy absorption and the force transmission to the energy absorbing components.

[0017] In one aspect of the protective system, the plastic deformation characteristics of the impact energy absorbing layer are designed to absorb 30-70% of the total impact energy of a falling rock with a mass of G (G being 5 kg - 10 t, representing 100-5000 kJ of impact energy), optionally 40-60% or 45-55%. Before the rock impact protection system, the total impact energy is equal to the kinetic energy of the falling rock.

[0018] In another aspect of the protective system, the one or more energy-absorbing components are deformably designed to absorb 20-70% of the total impact energy. Furthermore, in this aspect of the protective system, up to 100% of the remaining impact energy is partially absorbed by the supporting structure and the ground, and partially removed as the kinetic energy of rocks rebounding from the protective system.

[0019] In one aspect of the protective system, the geometry of the impact energy absorbing layer and the components of the one or more energy absorbing elements together provide optimal energy absorption and controlled force transfer to the support structure within the protective system.

[0020] Furthermore, the system may include the possibility of altering the mass of the protective system relative to the mass of the falling rock. This can be achieved by adding counterweight components (such as sand) to the protective system. This will affect the dynamics of the protective system.

[0021] In another aspect of the protective system, the impact energy absorbing layer and the one or more energy absorbing components are made of metal. Optionally, the impact energy absorbing layer and the one or more energy absorbing components are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, some components, such as the force distribution layer, may be made of concrete or composite materials.

[0022] In another aspect of the protective system, the impact energy absorbing layer includes one or more impact energy absorbing components, wherein each impact energy absorbing component includes two flanges and a pipe extending between the two flanges, wherein the pipe is arranged in parallel and each pipe is secured to the two flanges by a pipe fixing component. This design improvement controls the force transmission to the energy absorbing components, bringing it closer to a constant force.

[0023] In one aspect of the protection system, the distance b between the two parallel pipe fittings is at least 35% of the outer diameter d of the pipe fittings, preferably at least 40%, and more preferably between 40% and 60% of the outer diameter d of the pipe fittings.

[0024] The distance between the pipe fittings ensures that the fittings can deform under impact exceeding the deformation threshold without interfering with each other due to the increase in diameter / cross-sectional length caused by the deformation.

[0025] In another aspect, the protective system is mounted on the main structure and is designed to maintain the integrity of the main structure during the expected impact.

[0026] In another aspect of the protective system, each of the one or more energy-absorbing components includes one or more collapsible structures that collapse in a direction perpendicular to the force distribution layer during an impact exceeding a preselected impact energy level (trigger load). Force transmission to the supporting structure is controlled by causing the energy-absorbing component to collapse (trigger).

[0027] In another aspect, the protection system is a modular system in which each module can be separated from the main structure.

[0028] The present invention also provides a method for maintaining an installed rockfall protection system, wherein the protection system includes modular protection components, each modular protection component including an impact energy absorption layer, a force distribution layer and one or more energy absorption components, and the method includes removing a modular protection component from below and installing a modular protection component from below, such that the installer is protected by the remaining protection system during installation.

[0029] Compared to traditional protection systems, the modular system and method offer cost savings.

[0030] In one aspect of the protective system, the force distribution layer is a structure with a preselected mass. The force distribution layer may be a hollow metal mesh structure or a metal mesh structure containing volumes designed to accommodate weight-adding materials such as sand or gravel. These volumes are filled to achieve the desired preselected mass.

[0031] The support structure can have various shapes and designs. The support structure exhibits elasticity during impact. The support structure can also be supported by a main structure including struts / columns, and / or the support structure can be installed onto the rock face, thereby forming a protected area beneath the support structure.

[0032] The protective system can be installed at a downward tilt angle α, where α is between 5 and 45 degrees, for example, 10-30 degrees or 12-20 degrees. The downward tilt angle also serves an additional purpose: facilitating the removal of materials such as rocks, sand, and snow from the protective system. First, the material slides off the top structure (i.e., the impact energy absorption layer). Second, due to the change in material orientation, after a vertical impact, the material's kinetic energy will have a horizontal component due to the downward tilt angle.

[0033] In this article, the term "rigid" in "rigid planar deck structure" refers to the characteristic during the expected impact process, in which the rigid planar deck does not undergo permanent deformation, and the impact energy not absorbed by the impact energy absorption layer is distributed to the energy absorption components and support structure with predictable loss.

[0034] The residual energy after the impact energy-absorbing layer deforms is transferred to the energy-absorbing component by accelerating the combined mass of the impact energy-absorbing layer and the rigid planar deck structure. The deck stiffness ensures support and deformation of the energy-absorbing component over a larger area outside the impact location.

[0035] The support structure responds to impacts similarly to those of a rigid planar deck structure, meaning that the structure will not undergo permanent deformation from impacts with loads not exceeding the design load.

[0036] As used in this article, the term "aluminum" refers to aluminum and aluminum alloys in which aluminum is the main metallic compound. Aluminum metal is selected based on its mechanical properties. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The features of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic, and the dimensions and designs of the different components have been adjusted for ease of explanation.

[0038] Figure 1 The main components of the protection system are schematically shown;

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a protective structure installed at an angle above the road is shown.

[0040] Figure 3 The basic components of the impact energy absorbing layer are shown;

[0041] Figure 4 This illustrates how the basic components of the shock energy absorbing layer are assembled together;

[0042] Figure 5a – Figure 5d illustrates the system's function under the impact of falling rocks;

[0043] Figure 5e This illustrates the principle of an energy absorption system;

[0044] Figures 6a-6b An embodiment of the force distribution layer is shown;

[0045] Figures 7a-7b The energy absorption component is shown;

[0046] Figures 8a-8d The modular protection system and the replacement of one module are shown.

[0047] Figure 9 An embodiment of a module for a modular protection system is shown;

[0048] Figure 10 Another embodiment of a module for a modular protection system is shown;

[0049] Figure 11 An embodiment of the protective structure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the protective system 1 and its main components. The top facing the falling rock is the impact energy absorption layer 10, which is disposed on the force distribution layer 20. The force distribution layer 20 is disposed on multiple energy absorption components 30, which are connected to the supporting structure 40 below. During the impact, the force is transmitted to the energy absorption components, causing a change in the system's momentum.

[0052] Figure 2 A portion of an impact protection system 1 is shown, mounted above the road at an angle α downwards relative to the horizontal. An additional support structure 41 provides a suitable height distance between the impact protection system and the road. Here, the protection system is also secured to the rock face.

[0053] The inclined arrangement makes it easier for materials falling on the protective structure to slip off, and affects the angle at which materials bounce off the protective structure.

[0054] Figure 11 schematically shown Figure 2 The impact protection system is shown, extending longitudinally over the road section. Here, multiple rows of energy-absorbing components 30 are arranged at a distance L on the supporting structural beams 40, 40'. These beams extend over the road to be protected.

[0055] Figure 3 Details of the impact-absorbing layer 10 are shown. Fittings 12 are arranged in parallel between two flanges 13', 13" apart. Each fitting is secured to each flange by fitting fasteners 11', 11" respectively. The distance b between the parallel fittings is selected based on the outer diameter d of the fittings, ensuring that adjacent fittings do not contact each other when the fittings deform and collapse due to impact.

[0056] Based on the impact energy absorption layer Figure 2 In one embodiment of the protective structure, the longitudinal direction of the pipe 12 can be arranged at an angle α, such that the pipe crosses the road in the longitudinal direction, which may facilitate installation in some cases. Alternatively, the longitudinal direction of the pipe can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the area to be protected. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the pipe can vary throughout the impact energy absorption layer.

[0057] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the impact energy absorbing layer 110 is shown, which includes three stacked impact energy absorbing components 14. The impact energy absorbing layer may include 1 to 10 impact energy absorbing components 14, or the layer may include 2 to 6, 2 to 4, or 3 to 5 impact energy absorbing components. As described above, during installation, the longitudinal direction of the fitting may extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the area to be protected.

[0058] Figure 5a Figure 5d illustrates the system's function under rockfall impact. Here, w is the rock displacement during the impact, and u is the deformation of the energy-absorbing component. The compression of the impact energy-absorbing layer is then v = w - u. Figure 5b The diagram shows the state before the energy absorption component is activated, i.e., u=0. Figure 5c The diagram illustrates the situation when the energy-absorbing component is activated. It is assumed that only elastic deformation exists in the force distribution layer 20, denoted as β.

[0059] Figure 5a The system under impact of a falling rock (70 mm) is shown, while Figure 5bThe deformed system is shown. During the impact, the falling rock 70 will generate a displacement w. Simultaneously, the distribution layer 20 will act as a "rigid" whole, transmitting the force to the support. The deformation of the energy-absorbing component 30 at the support is denoted as u.

[0060] The support structure 40 should exhibit elasticity during impact. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy absorption components 30 are arranged in two groups with a distance between them.

[0061] Figure 5e The working principle of the energy absorption system 1 during the impact process is illustrated. Assume the falling rock 70 is rigid, denoted by mass G and impact velocity V0. Assume a constant contact force P = P0 exists between the mass of the impact energy absorption layer 10 and the falling rock 70. Mass M is the activated mass in the impact energy absorption layer and the distribution layer (10+20), while F0 is the activated force at the energy absorption component 30.

[0062] based on Figure 5e The system shown can be represented by two dynamic equilibrium equations:

[0063]

[0064]

[0065] Furthermore, the plastic spring deformation v between G and M can be expressed as:

[0066]

[0067] Maximum deformation v of impact energy absorbing layer 10 m It can be represented as:

[0068]

[0069] In the calculation, it is assumed that two masses G and M satisfy... They move at the same speed after a certain moment.

[0070] Finally, the energy-absorbing component at the support can only be activated when P0 > F0.

[0071] The above equations clearly demonstrate the nonlinearity of the system and how different parameters affect the response at the deck and supports. The calculated displacements of the impact energy absorbing layer 10 and the energy absorbing component 30 show that the response is controlled by the mass ratio G / M and the ratio F0 / P0.

[0072] Figure 6a and 6bAn alternative design for the energy / force distribution layers 20, 120 is shown. This structure is rigid but can deform elastically. As shown in Figure 5, the impact energy layer deforms below the impact region, while the force distribution layer distributes the force to multiple energy-absorbing components 30 around the impact region.

[0073] Figure 7a An energy-absorbing component 30 is shown, comprising a first end 31, a second end 32, and a deformable component 34 disposed therebetween. The deformable component 34 is preferably made of extruded aluminum and is designed to absorb impact energy by deformation when subjected to an impact exceeding a threshold (referred to as the folding load F0). The deformable component is designed with a deformation pattern having a repeating, stable folding pattern, which provides the required energy absorption.

[0074] The deformable component 34 can have various shapes. It can be a hollow cylindrical component with a cross-section that is circular, rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, or any combination thereof. The deformable component 34 can be a column with a vertical flange, wherein the flange and column wall are designed to fold when subjected to a force higher than the trigger load. Figure 7b The deformed component 35 is shown after this impact. The deformed energy-absorbing component 38 has undergone deformation by an amount u.

[0075] F0 = Average load level during the deformation / folding stage.

[0076] u = Deformation length of the component design.

[0077] Energy absorption: E(J) = F0(N) × u(m)

[0078] In one embodiment, the energy-absorbing component is designed to have an F0 ranging from 50 to 500 kN. Preferably, the initial buckling load is a minimum of 1.33 × F0 and a maximum of 1.5 × F0.

[0079] To ensure a constant and controlled load F0, triggering mechanisms are introduced by designing material properties or geometric imperfections in the component to control the initial buckling load. The arrangement of these imperfections causes deformation to begin from the top closest to the force distribution layer.

[0080] The energy-absorbing components are also designed to withstand shear loads and tensions to maintain structural integrity during rockfalls.

[0081] The target stable load F0 is achieved by designing the size and number of units in the component, combined with the wall thickness and strength of the material.

[0082] Energy-absorbing components require repeatable and stable folding and deformation patterns to achieve energy absorption. This method of absorbing energy through deformation is known in many other industries.

[0083] Figures 8a-8d A side view schematically illustrates a possible modular structure of the protective structure, and the possibility of replacing a module while maintenance personnel and vehicles are protected by the rest of the protective structure.

[0084] Figure 8a In this configuration, the protective structure 1 is positioned above a support structure 40 and an additional support structure 41 on the road. The protective structure consists of protective structure modules 50. Component 55 represents a damaged protective structure module that needs to be replaced. Installation personnel 58 and the installation vehicle 59 are located below the protective structure and are protected by it during maintenance operations.

[0085] Here, the support structure 40 includes a beam spanning the road, wide enough to support two rows of energy-absorbing components, each originating from two adjacent protective structure modules. The beam 40 is supported by columnar components 41 of the additional support structure.

[0086] Figure 8b The image shows a damaged protective structure module, now removed, being loaded onto an installation vehicle 59. This operation can be performed by a crane on the vehicle by lifting the damaged module 55. In one embodiment, the module can be secured to an additional support structure 41 and / or a rock wall. Securing can be achieved through interlocking designs and / or fasteners (not shown), which must be removed before the module can be removed.

[0087] Figure 8c The image shows the new protective structure module 50' located on the vehicle below the rest of the protective structure, just before installation. In this way, the new module 50' is also protected before installation.

[0088] Figure 8d The protective structure 1 after repair is shown.

[0089] One or more components can be assembled on a base plate to form a module, ensuring efficient installation and replacement. The new module 50' can be lifted into place by a crane on the vehicle and secured by interlocking with additional support structures and / or by additional fasteners.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the protective structure module is primarily made of aluminum, and the weight of a module is limited such that a crane mounted on the vehicle can lift a module into place.

[0091] Figure 9The diagram illustrates components of one embodiment of the protective structure module 50. In this embodiment, all components of the impact energy absorbing layer 10, the force distribution layer 20, and the energy absorbing component 30 are prepared as a single module for complete installation. Those skilled in the art will understand that the module can also be divided into sub-modules, which can be installed sequentially. Figure 10 An embodiment is shown in which a top module 52 includes an impact energy absorbing layer 10 and a force distribution layer 20. A bottom module 54 includes an energy absorbing component 30 mounted on a base plate 60.

[0092] In this embodiment, one or more energy-absorbing components can be assembled on a base plate 60 to ensure efficient installation and replacement. Alternatively, only one submodule, or even a portion of a submodule, can be replaced, such as an energy-absorbing component or an impact energy-absorbing component 14 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0093] The base plate can be designed for mechanical installation into the force distribution layer.

[0094] A guide system can be installed in the protection system to ensure that horizontal movement between submodules is minimized. This ensures that the energy-absorbing component 30 extends perpendicular to the force distribution layer 20, so that impacts will cause the energy-absorbing component to deform as designed.

[0095] List of reference numerals

[0096] 1 Protection system 10, 110 Impact energy absorption layer 11’, 11” Pipe fitting fixing components 12 Pipe fittings 13’, 13” flange plate 14 flange plate 20, 120 Force distribution layer 30 Energy absorption components 31 First end 32 Second end 34 Deformable parts 35 Deformed components 38 Deformable energy absorption components 40, 40’ Support structure 41 Additional support structure / main structure 50 Protective structure module 52 Top plate module 54 Base plate module 55 Damaged protective structural components 58 Installer – Personnel 59 Installer – Vehicle / Equipment 60 base plate 70 rock α downward tilt angle b Distance between pipe fittings d Pipe diameter w Plastic deformation of the energy absorption layer β Elastic deformation of energy absorption layer and force distribution layer u Plastic deformation of energy absorption components L Distance between rows of energy absorption components

Claims

1. A rockfall, avalanche and landslide protection system (1), characterized in that, The protective system protects the underlying support structure (40) from loads exceeding the predetermined design load. The protective system (1) includes a combination of an impact energy absorbing layer (10), a force distribution layer (20), and one or more energy absorbing components (30). The impact energy absorbing layer (10) is supported by the force distribution layer (20), which is disposed on the one or more energy absorbing components (30). The one or more energy absorbing components (30) are disposed on the support structure (40). The force distribution layer (20) therein is a rigid planar deck structure; The impact energy absorbing layer (10) includes a tube (12) with plastic deformation properties, wherein the tube extends parallel to the planar deck structure; and The one or more energy-absorbing components (30) are designed to absorb energy through deformation. The combination of the impact energy absorbing layer (10), the force distribution layer (20), and the one or more energy absorbing components (30) provides the protection.

2. The protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic deformation characteristics of the impact energy absorbing layer (10) are designed to absorb 30-70% of the total impact energy of falling rocks with a mass of G, where G is 5 kg - 10 t, representing 100-5000 kJ of impact energy, and can optionally absorb 40-60% or 45-55% of the total impact energy of falling rocks.

3. The protection system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The modified design of the one or more energy-absorbing components (30) is to absorb 20-70% of the total impact energy.

4. The protection system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Up to 100% of the remaining impact energy is partially absorbed by the support structure (40) and the ground, and partially removed as the kinetic energy of rocks rebounding from the protection system.

5. The protection system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The force distribution layer ensures energy absorption in the energy absorption components.

6. The protection system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The energy absorption components (30) are arranged in two or more rows on separate support structure components (40, 40'), wherein the rows and the support structure components are spaced apart by a distance L.

7. The protection system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The supporting structural components are beam-shaped components that extend in one direction across the area to be protected by the protective system.

8. The protection system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The impact energy absorbing layer (10) and the one or more energy absorbing components (30) are made of metal.

9. The protection system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The impact energy absorbing layer (10) and the one or more energy absorbing components (30) are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

10. The protection system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The impact energy absorbing layer (10) includes one or more impact energy absorbing components (14), wherein the impact energy absorbing component (14) includes two flanges (13', 13") and a pipe (12) extending between the two flanges (13', 13"), wherein the pipe (12) is arranged in parallel and each pipe is fixed to the two flanges (13', 13") by pipe fixing components (11', 11") respectively.

11. The protection system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The distance (b) between the two parallel pipe fittings is at least 35% of the outer diameter (d) of the pipe fitting (12), preferably at least 40%, and more preferably between 40% and 60% of the outer diameter (d) of the pipe fitting (12).

12. The protection system according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The protective system is mounted on the main structure (41) and is designed to maintain the integrity of the main structure during the expected impact.

13. The protection system according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, Each energy-absorbing component (30) includes one or more collapsible structures that collapse in a direction perpendicular to the force distribution layer (20) during an impact exceeding a preselected impact energy level.

14. The protection system according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The protection system is a modular system, in which each module can be separated independently of the main structure.

15. A method for maintaining an installed rockfall protection system, characterized in that, The protection system includes modular protection components (50), each modular protection component including an impact energy absorbing layer (10), a force distribution layer (20), and one or more energy absorbing components (30), and the method includes removing a modular protection component (55) from below and installing a modular protection component (50') from below, such that the installer (58, 59) is protected by the remaining protection system during installation.

Images