Protective barrier and method for determining the suitability of a net for catching a moving object

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective barrier for catching a moving object, comprising a net and a supporting structure (6); wherein the supporting structure (6) stretches out and fastens the net (2); and wherein the net (2) has at least a first cable (90) and a second cable (91) with a respective thickness, wherein the net (2) is connected by the first cable (90) and the second cable (91), and the net (2) has at least one connection point (7), wherein the connection point (7) has a thickness, and the thickness of the connection point (7) corresponds at most to twice the thickness of the first cable (90) or to twice the thickness of the second cable (91), wherein the first cable (90) and the second cable (91) contain polyethylene, and the stretched-out net has an energy weight class of 500 kJ / (kg / m2) or more.

Description

[0001] Protective barrier and method for determining the suitability of a net to catch a moving object

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a protective barrier suitable for catching a moving object. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining the suitability of a net for catching a moving object.

[0004] Technological background

[0005] In the field of protective barriers, those with a net and a supporting structure with energy-absorbing elements made of steel or metal are well known. One of the aspects of protective barriers is to safely catch, or intercept, and stop a moving object. The protective barriers absorb the kinetic energy of moving objects, thus preventing slope movements or rockfalls, tree falls, etc. Another aspect of protective barriers is their permanent attachment to the ground.

[0006] Known protective barriers can take on numerous forms, designs, and materials. Most conventional protective barriers consist of a protective surface (with a net as an essential component) and a supporting structure, with the protective surface being spanned by the supporting structure. If the expected kinetic energies of the moving object to be intercepted are over 100 kJ, known protective barriers made of metal are used. However, these are heavy, so that the protective barrier can only be installed in the field with great effort. Protective barriers are usually necessary on steep terrain that is difficult to reach, making installation of the protective barrier difficult. For this reason, the construction material for the protective barrier is usually transported using all-terrain vehicles, a helicopter, or a crane.Due to the heavy weight of the metal nets and metal ropes and their stiffness, the construction of the protective barrier is very complex.

[0007] After a rockfall, it may also be necessary to replace the protective barrier, which requires additional material for repair. This usually requires the heavy metal components to be transported again by helicopter or technical means.

[0008] Polyethylene nets are known in the art, primarily for use as fishing nets. One such polyethylene fishing net is described in EP 3036363 A1. This fishing net has a hand-braided knot rather than a woven one. However, due to their use as fishing nets, these nets lack the resistance to environmental influences that can occur with protective barriers.

[0009] Furthermore, the use of plastic nets for protection against natural hazards as slope protection (e.g. geogrids (lying flat on the subsoil) or as slope stabilization in the form of reinforced earth) is known. Plastic nets are also known as personal safety nets or as construction site safety nets. The use of known plastic nets has so far been limited to temporary or underground use. In addition, existing plastic nets are mostly machine-woven nets, which exhibit a loss of rope load-bearing capacity of more than 40% at the mesh crossing points.

[0010] In known protective barriers, with a required energy weight class of over 500 kJ / ( kg / m 2 ) steel nets have been used so far. In addition, conventional plastic nets have only been used for energy weight classes of less than 500 kJ / ( kg / m 2 ) is used. Description of the invention

[0011] The invention aims to combine a flexible net of reduced weight with a supporting structure in order to provide a lighter and more durable protective barrier.

[0012] The subject matter of claim 1 and claim 2 provides corresponding barriers to protection. Further preferred embodiments are recited in the dependent claims. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method.

[0013] A protective barrier according to the invention for catching a moving object comprises , in a first aspect , a net comprising at least one rope , the rope comprising polyethylene , and a supporting structure which stretches and fastens the net , the stretched net having an energy weight class of 500 kJ / ( kg / m 2 ) or more .

[0014] The net can also be referred to as a protective surface, which is a part of the protective barrier that can come into contact with the moving object. The day construction, in particular the components of the supporting structure such as support columns, supporting cables or guy ropes, are not part of the actual

[0015] Protective area.

[0016] The protective barrier has the advantage of absorbing an impact energy of over 100 kJ from the moving object. The protective barrier is characterized by its low weight. This low weight enables easy installation of the protective barrier. In addition, the protective barrier can be easily transported and used in steep terrain. The use of polyethylene for the rope makes the net and net components corrosion-free, insensitive to lateral forces, transportable, flexible and lightweight. This provides a lighter and more durable protective barrier. The protective barrier thus protects infrastructure (e.g. road, railway tracks, buildings) and people from the moving object.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the energy retention capacity of the net refers to the kinetic energy that can be absorbed by or via the net from the moving object. Preferably, the energy retention capacity of the protective barrier is at least 100 kJ. The energy retention capacity can also be referred to as energy absorption capacity or impact energy.

[0018] The energy weight class is defined as a quotient with the unit kJ / (kg / m 2), where the dividend is the kinetic energy that can be absorbed by the net from the moving object (in particular impact energy), and the divisor is the specific weight per unit area. The specific weight per unit area is a quotient, where the dividend is the weight of the net and the divisor is the area of ​​the net. Thus, the specific weight per unit area is the weight of the net per unit area. The specific weight per unit area is thus determined for the containment surface that can come into contact with the moving rock body. The dividend of the specific weight per unit area can be the weight of all elements of the containment surface. The specific weight per unit area is therefore only determined for the net (in particular for the ropes and components of the net) and not for the supporting structure surrounding the net or tensioned on it.

[0019] The energy concentration is a value that indicates the energy absorption per area of ​​the protective barrier. The protective barrier can preferably have an energy concentration of at least 300 kJ / m 2on the impact surface. In a second aspect, a protective barrier according to the invention for catching a moving object comprises a net and a supporting structure; wherein the supporting structure spans and fastens the net; and wherein the net has at least a first rope and a second rope, each having a thickness, wherein the net is knotted by the first rope and the second rope and the net has at least one connection point, wherein the connection point has a thickness and the thickness of the connection point corresponds to a maximum of twice the thickness of the first rope or twice the thickness of the second rope, wherein the first rope and the second rope comprise polyethylene. The protective barrier has the advantage of being lightweight and can therefore be used more flexibly and easily and connected to the ground.The thinness of the tie points allows the kinetic energy of the moving object to be evenly absorbed by the net, as the tie points do not protrude far from the ropes. This improves the protective barrier.

[0020] The protective barrier for catching a moving object of the second aspect can be combined with the protective barrier of the first aspect. The protective barrier of the first aspect can correspond to the protective barrier of the second aspect. The protective barrier of the first aspect can comprise the net and the supporting structure of the second aspect.

[0021] The protective barrier can be testable and meet the requirements according to the guideline EAD 340059- 00- 0106.

[0022] The supporting structure can have a plurality of support columns. The support columns can be connected to the ground via rock anchors or ground anchors. The plurality of support columns can be designed to have a plurality of connections in the upper and lower regions. One of the plurality of support columns or at least one of the plurality of support columns can comprise metal, wood, composite material or plastic, at least in sections. A support column can have an articulated base, or the base can be arranged on the support column in a flexurally rigid manner. At least one of the plurality of support columns can be held in position by at least one guy rope, preferably in the installed state. The supporting structure can have at least one support rope made of metal or plastic. The at least one support rope can be provided between two support columns. The at least one support rope can be a laid round-strand steel rope.The supporting structure can have an upper supporting cable and a lower supporting cable. The upper supporting cable is also a second supporting cable and the lower supporting cable is also a first supporting cable. The at least one supporting cable of the supporting structure can be connected to the ground via rock anchors or ground anchors. The at least one supporting cable can be accommodated in the plurality of connections of the supporting posts. The upper supporting cable can be movably accommodated in an upper connection of a supporting post or be permanently connected. The lower supporting cable can be movably accommodated in a lower connection of a supporting post or be permanently connected. The guy cable can be connected to an upper connection of a supporting post. The upper supporting cable can extend from a rock anchor or ground anchor to a first supporting post and to a further supporting post. The supporting cable is designed to connect the supporting posts and to tension the net.The supporting structure may comprise an upper supporting cable, a lower supporting cable, a plurality of supporting supports and at least one guy cable on each of the supporting supports.

[0023] The supporting structure can have at least one guy rope made of metal or plastic. The at least one guy rope can be a laid round-strand steel rope. The at least one guy rope can be fastened to the ground via rock anchors or ground anchors. The at least one guy rope can support the multiple support columns of the supporting structure upslope and / or downslope and / or laterally. The at least one guy rope can be present on each of the multiple support columns. The at least one guy rope can be present on at least one of the multiple support columns. Each support column can have at least one guy rope. Only every second and third support column can have a guy rope. The first and last support column of the supporting structure can have a guy rope. The guy rope can be accommodated in a further connection of the support columns.The at least one guy rope enables permanent attachment of the protective barrier to the ground. The at least one guy rope can be used to transfer forces from the moving object to the ground.

[0024] The day structure, such as the support posts, supporting cables, or guy cables, is not part of the net or the containment area. The net can also be referred to as a safety net. The net may only contain the cables as components, with at least one cable being made of polyethylene.

[0025] The net can be connected to the supporting structure and stretched out via at least one supporting cable, preferably two supporting cables. Alternatively, the net can be connected directly to a plurality of supporting columns, preferably at least two supporting columns. The net can be connected to the at least one supporting cable at the edge. The net can be made up of a plurality of segments. The net can be flexible. The flexibility of the net enables easy adaptation, simpler transport, and simpler installation of the net on site. In addition, the net need not be sensitive to transverse pressure. This prevents the fibers of the cable from being sawn through at connection points (crossing / deflection points). The net can also have plastic cables. The multiple segments of the net mean that the net can be repaired after a possible rockfall event by replacing individual segments.The stretched net means that the net is attached to the supporting structure.

[0026] The net can be knotted from at least one rope. The net can be knotted from at least two ropes. The net can be knotted from several ropes. The net can be knotted from at least a first rope and a second rope. One rope of the net can correspond to the first rope or the second rope. The second rope can correspond to at least one rope of the net. The net can be single-layered. The net can be two-layered. The net can be multi-layered. The net can be reinforced in sections. The net can be multi-layered in sections. The net can be reinforced in sections by an additional rope. The net can preferably be stretched in a single layer in the supporting structure. The single-layer design of the net can further reduce the weight of the protective barrier.The net allows the tensile force (especially generated by the kinetic energy) of an impacting moving object to be distributed across the net. This also allows the net to transfer kinetic energy to the supporting structure. This ensures that the net is not destroyed, or not completely destroyed, in the event of a rockfall, and that the moving object can be safely stopped and held.

[0027] The moving object can be a moving rock body. The moving object is preferably a flying, bouncing or rolling rock body. The moving object can preferably have a diameter of more than 6.3 cm, preferably more than 50 cm, particularly preferably more than 100 cm. The moving object can have a weight of up to 1600 kg. The moving object can have a weight of 100 kg to 1600 kg. The moving object can have a plurality of moving objects with different weights and different diameters. The mesh sizes can be selected depending on the expected diameter of the moving object.

[0028] In a third aspect, the supporting structure can be in contact with a subsurface and be designed to transfer forces to the subsurface. In addition, the supporting structure can be in force-locking contact with the stretched net. Kinetic energy can preferably be transferred from the moving object to the net and to the supporting structure. In this case, tensile forces are generated and transferred in the net and the cables. The force is distributed over larger areas than the point of impact of the moving object via stretching and friction and the activation of braking elements. This ensures that the kinetic energy of the moving object is dissipated. By absorbing, distributing and transferring the kinetic energy to the subsurface, destruction of the protective barrier can be prevented.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, the spanned net can have a resistance to a kinetic energy of the moving object of at least 100 kJ. Preferably, the spanned net can have a resistance to a kinetic energy of the moving object of at least 250 kJ. Particularly preferably, the spanned net can have a resistance to a kinetic energy of the moving object of at least 300 kJ. Thus, rockfall events can be reliably detained or stopped by the protective barrier.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the spanned net can be designed to transfer the kinetic energy of the moving object to the supporting structure and distribute the tensile force of the impacting moving object across the net. By distributing the kinetic energy across the entire protective barrier, rockfall events and the moving object can be reliably contained or stopped.

[0031] In a fifth aspect, the net may have a specific weight per unit area of ​​less than 1.5 kg / m 2 Preferably, the specific weight per unit area of ​​the net is determined only in the collecting area that can come into contact with the moving object. Due to the low specific weight per unit area of ​​the net with a value of less than 1.5 kg / m 2 , a weight reduction of the protective barrier is possible.

[0032] In a sixth aspect, the rope can have a resistance coating that improves a resistance of the rope to cutting, biting, environmental influences and / or UV radiation. The first rope and the second rope can have a resistance coating that improves a resistance of the first rope and the second rope to cutting, biting, environmental influences and / or UV radiation. The plurality of support ropes and / or the plurality of guy ropes made of polyethylene can have a resistance coating. The support structure can have at least one guy rope made of polyethylene with a resistance coating. Preferably, the support structure can have at least two support ropes that have polyethylene and a resistance coating. The resistance coating can be an enveloping coating of the rope. The resistance coating can be a rearrangement of the rope.The durability coating can be an impregnation of the fibers of the rope or the strands of the rope. The durability coating can be an impregnation of the fibers of the rope or the strands of the rope, wherein the impregnation penetrates into the fibers. The durability coating improves the durability and resistance to environmental influences. Thus, the protective barrier can be used and installed permanently. In a seventh aspect, the at least one rope can have a plurality of fibers, and the fibers can each have a tensile strength of 2000 N / mm. 2 or more. The first rope and the second rope may comprise multiple fibers and the fibers may each have a tensile strength of 2000 N / mm 2 or more. The supporting cable and / or the guy rope may comprise several fibers and the fibers may each have a tensile strength of 2000 N / mm 2The at least one rope may have rope strands containing fibers with a tensile strength of 2000 N / mm 2 or more. The first rope and the second rope may each have rope strands containing fibers with a tensile strength of 2000 N / mm 2 or more. The tensile strength of at least 2000 N / mm 2enables improved longitudinal tensile strength of the ropes. The rope can comprise polyethylene and a durability coating. The first rope and the second rope can comprise polyethylene and a durability coating. The rope can comprise polyethylene, a plastic and / or metal and a durability coating. The first rope and the second rope can comprise polyethylene, a plastic and / or metal and a durability coating. The rope can have a metal portion, a metal core and / or a metal strand. The rope can consist of mixed fibers. At least one fiber of the rope can comprise polyethylene.

[0033] Preferably, the support cable and / or the guy cable may comprise polyethylene. The support cable and / or the guy cable may comprise metal. The support cable and / or the guy cable may be a metal wire rope. This ensures that energy is safely transferred from the net to the protective barrier and the subsurface.

[0034] The thickness of the connection point of the net is, in the context of the present invention, the diameter of the connection point. The rope thickness of the first rope is the diameter of the first rope. The rope thickness of the second rope is the diameter of the second rope. Twice the diameter of the first rope can be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the connection point. Twice the diameter of the second rope can be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the connection point. The rope can have a diameter of 4 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 4 mm to 10 mm. The first rope and the second rope can each have a diameter of 4 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 4 mm to 10 mm. The first rope can have a different diameter than the second rope. Due to the small thickness or...The small diameter of the connection point allows for optimal transfer of the kinetic energy of the moving object to the mesh and thus to the protective barrier. This prevents force peaks from the moving object being transmitted to the connection point.

[0035] The at least one rope or the first rope and the second rope of the net can be braided ropes. The at least one rope or the first rope and the second rope of the net can each be a 12-strand braided rope or an 8-strand braided rope. The supporting rope can be a braided rope. The guy rope can be a braided rope. The supporting rope can be a 12-strand braided rope or an 8-strand braided rope. The guy rope can be a 12-strand braided rope or an 8-strand braided rope. This can increase the durability of the protective barrier because the kinetic energy of the moving object can be transferred to the ground without causing damage.

[0036] In an eighth aspect, the net can be corrosion-resistant and / or a flexible net. The flexible net makes it easier to install the protective barrier. The corrosion resistance of the net increases the length of time the protective barrier can be installed in the terrain and thus its longevity. The net can preferably be rectangular. The rectangular shape of the net simplifies its combination with the supporting structure, making the protective barrier easier to install.

[0037] In a ninth aspect, the net, preferably the at least one rope, can be connected to the supporting structure via at least one connecting means. The at least one rope can be connected to the supporting structure via at least one double connecting means. The first rope and the second rope can be connected to the supporting structure via at least one connecting means. The first rope and the second rope can be connected to the supporting structure via at least one double connecting means. A double connecting means is a connecting means that prevents direct physical contact between the supporting structure and the net and can be connected to a further connecting means for this purpose.In the case of a double connecting means, the first connecting means can be provided on the net, the first connecting means can be provided in a second connecting means, and one of the plurality of supporting cables can be provided in the second connecting means. The at least one connecting means can be provided circumferentially on the net at each connection point. The at least one connecting means can be provided between the at least one supporting cable and the net. The at least one connecting means can be provided between the first supporting cable and the net and between the second supporting cable and the net. The at least one connecting means can be provided between the upper supporting cable and the net and between the lower supporting cable and the net. The at least one connecting means can be provided between the at least one supporting cable and the support post.The at least one connecting means can be provided between the at least one guy rope and the supporting support. The at least one connecting means can be provided between a plurality of segments of the net. The at least one connecting means can be provided at any connection point at the edge of the net and the supporting rope. The at least one connecting means can be a shackle, a thimble, a rope eye, a rope clamp, a rope shackle or a soft shackle. The at least one connecting means is part of the supporting structure. The connecting means has the function of reducing friction when the net interacts with the supporting structure. The connecting means enable low-friction energy transfer from the net to the supporting structure, in particular to the supporting ropes and / or supporting supports.The connecting elements reduce heat buildup in the ropes, preventing glazing in the polyethylene ropes. This improves the longevity of the protective barrier.

[0038] In a tenth aspect, the supporting structure can have at least one braking element. The braking element can preferably be provided on a supporting cable or a guy cable of the supporting structure. The at least one braking element can particularly preferably be present on the plurality of supporting cables. The braking element can have a ripping auger. The braking element can have a cable brake. The braking element has the function of reducing a tensile force on the supporting cable or the guy cable and absorbing energy through plastic and elastic deformation.

[0039] In an eleventh aspect, the net of the first aspect may comprise at least a first rope and a second rope, wherein a section of the net is formed by a connection point between the first rope and the second rope. The connection point according to any one of the preceding aspects may comprise a first opening and a second opening in the first rope through which the second rope is passed, and a third opening in the second rope through which the first rope is passed, wherein a part of the first rope is located in the third opening of the second rope and the third opening of the second rope is located between the first opening and the second opening of the first rope. Preferably, the connection point may be a hand-tied knot. The connection point may be a machine-made knot. The rope is only inserted into one another at the connection point.The tie point allows the tensile forces resulting from the kinetic energy to be evenly distributed within the net. This ensures that the net does not tear at the tie point. This increases the longevity of the protective barrier.

[0040] In a twelfth aspect, a loss of rope load-bearing capacity at the connection point can be less than 20% of the rope load-bearing capacity. Preferably, a loss of rope load-bearing capacity at the connection point can be less than 10% of the rope load-bearing capacity. This ensures that the net does not lose the required rope load-bearing capacity due to the connection and tears before the tensile forces are distributed at the connection point. This increases the longevity of the protective barrier.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the net's connection point can be designed to be resistant to displacement. This has the advantage that the connection point can be closed more tightly by tension in any direction of the rope. Furthermore, an unwanted enlargement of the net's mesh opening under load is reliably prevented.

[0042] The connection point of the net can be unwoven. The connection point of the net can be knotted or braided. The connection point can be a link where at least one rope is inserted into an opening in another rope. This increases the longevity of the protective barrier. A mesh opening is the clear distance between two opposite connection points of a stretched mesh. To determine the mesh opening, only the inside dimension of the mesh is taken into account. The mesh size is the distance between two connection points, i.e. the length between two adjacent connection points. The mesh length is twice the mesh size. A mesh crossing point is a connection point. A mesh size of the net can be 50 mm or 420 mm. A mesh size of the net can be 200 mm or 300 mm. The mesh size of the net can be between 50 mm and 420 mm.The mesh size of the net can be between 200 mm and 420 mm.

[0043] The net preferably has a collecting surface. The collecting surface can be at least a section of the net, in particular a central region of the net. The moving object can preferably be collected or stopped in a central region of the net. The net can have a collecting surface which is designed to absorb kinetic energy of the moving object and to transmit it across the entire protective barrier. The collecting surface is defined as the area of ​​the protective barrier which is designed to come into contact with the moving object.

[0044] The subsurface can be exposed rock or soil. The subsurface can be designed to absorb forces or energy.

[0045] The inventive method for determining the suitability of a stretched net for catching a moving object in a thirteenth aspect, wherein the net comprises polyethylene. The method comprises the steps of: determining a kinetic impact energy of a moving object on the stretched net; determining a surface-specific weight of the net that can come into contact with the moving object; calculating an energy weight class by dividing the kinetic impact energy by the surface-specific weight; determining whether the calculated energy weight class exceeds 500 kJ / (kg / m 2 ) or more; and if the calculated energy weight class is 500 kJ / ( kg / m 2) or more, determining that the net has a suitable load-bearing capacity. Preferably, the method can be used to determine the suitability of the protective barrier according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects. By determining the suitability of whether a tensioned net has a suitable load-bearing capacity, it can be determined before the protective barrier is installed whether the tensioned net can sufficiently detain and stop a moving object. Thus, the method ensures that a suitable tensioned net is used to reduce potential hazards.

[0046] In the step of determining a specific area weight of the net, the net that can come into contact with the moving object can have a collecting surface. The net can have a net according to one of the first to twelfth aspects.

[0047] In a fourteenth aspect, the method may include the net being stretched by a supporting structure, wherein, in the step of determining the area-specific weight of the net, the net, preferably the collecting area, may be provided by at least one first rope. This ensures that a suitable stretched net is used in combination with a supporting structure to reduce potential hazards.

[0048] Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1a shows a schematic structure of the protective barrier in front view according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0049] Fig. 1b shows a schematic structure of the protective barrier in plan view according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0050] Fig. 2a shows a connection point that can be used for the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 2b shows a detailed view of two variants of the rope in elevation and cross section according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0052] Fig . 3 shows a section of the network with a mesh and connection points .

[0053] Fig. 4a shows the connection of the net to the supporting structure via connecting means and the connection of segments of the net to one another via connecting means according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0054] Fig. 4b shows a section of the connection of the net to the supporting structure and the connection of a supporting cable and a guy cable to the supporting support according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0055] Fig. 4c shows a section of the connection of the net to the supporting structure via two connecting means according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0056] Fig. 4d shows a schematic structure of a ripper as a variant of the braking element according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4e shows a schematic structure of a cable brake as a variant of the braking element according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0057] Fig. 5a shows a schematic structure of the supporting structure with a support column, upper and lower supporting cables and a guy cable in the front view according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0058] Fig. 5b shows a schematic structure of a support column of the supporting structure in side view according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0059] Fig. 6a shows a schematic structure of a shackle as a variant of the connecting means according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0060] Fig. 6b shows a schematic structure of a thimble as a variant of the connecting means according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Fig. 6c shows a schematic structure of a rope eye as a variant of the connecting means according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0062] Fig. 6d shows a schematic structure of a rope clamp according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0063] Fig. 6e shows a schematic structure of a rope shackle as a variant of the connecting means according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0064] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a rockfall event with the protective barrier according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0065] 19

[0066] REVISED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a rockfall event with the protective barrier, in which the moving object was stopped by the protective barrier, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0067] Detailed description

[0068] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures. Although the embodiments are to be understood as examples and not as limiting, individual features of the embodiments can also be used to characterize the invention. Furthermore, modifications of the embodiments described below can each be individually combined with one another to form further embodiments of the invention.

[0069] Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b show a protective barrier 1 of a first embodiment, the structure of which is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b.

[0070] Fig. 1a shows a front view of the protective barrier 1 with the tensioned net 2 in the supporting structure 6. Fig. 1b shows a plan view of the protective barrier 1 of Fig. 1a with the tensioned net 2 in the supporting structure 6.

[0071] The protective barrier 1 consists of a net 2 and a supporting structure 6. The net 2 has at least one rope 90, 91. The rope 90, 91 is made of polyethylene. The supporting structure 6 stretches the net 2 and secures the net 2. The stretched net 2 has an energy-weight class of 500 kJ / (kg / m^2) or more.

[0072] In the present first embodiment, the support structure 6 has a plurality of support columns 5 and a plurality of support cables 30, 31, and a plurality of braking elements 4. As shown in Fig. 1a, the support structure 6 has five support columns 5. A first lower support cable 30 connects the five support columns 5 in a lower region. A further second upper support cable 31 connects the five support columns 5 in an upper region. In addition, a braking element 4 is provided on each of the two support cables 30, 31. Preferably, the plurality of guy cables 32 can be provided symmetrically or asymmetrically on the protective barrier and thus on each or not on each of the support columns 5. In Fig. 1a, the guy cables 32 are fastened to the ground upslope (on the far side) and downslope (on the near side). The far side is directed upslope. The guy cables 32 secure the support columns 5 downslope. Additionally, guy ropes 32 may be present uphill.In the present first embodiment, each of the five support posts is connected to the ground upslope via at least two guy cables 32. In addition, a further guy cable 32 is provided downslope on the middle central support post 5. In the first and last support posts 5 of the protective barrier 1, which form the lateral ends of the protective barrier 1, the ends of the two support cables 30, 31 are fastened to the ground. Each support post 5 is further independently fastened to the ground. Preferably, the net 2 is rectangular. Preferably, each individual support post 5 is fastened to the ground via guy cables 32. Preferably, the respective support cables, guy cables, or support posts are fastened to the ground via rock or ground anchors 3. The ground can be rock or soil. The net 2 is fastened to the two support cables 30, 31 via connecting means 15.

[0073] Fig. 2a shows a connection point 7 that can be used in the first embodiment of the invention. The connection point 7 is formed by the two cables 90, 91 of the net 2. The connection point 7 is a node of the net 2. The connection point 7 has a first opening 80 and a second opening 81 on the first cable 90. The connection point 7 has a third opening 82 on the second cable 91. At the connection point 7, the second cable 91 is guided through the first opening and the second opening of the first cable. The first cable 90 is guided through the third opening 82 in the second cable 91. Thus, a part of the first cable 90 is located in the third opening 82 of the second cable, and the third opening 82 of the second cable 91 is located between the first opening 80 and the second opening 81 of the first cable 90.

[0074] In a further embodiment, the second rope 91 may correspond to the first rope 90, so that only one rope 90 is used to create the net.

[0075] Fig. 2b is a view of a first embodiment of a rope 90, 91 produced from fibers 14. The two upper images of Fig. 2b show the cross-section of the rope 90, 91, and the lower images of Fig. 2b show a side view of the rope 90, 91. The structure of the rope 90, 91 is described as an example only for the first rope 90. The structure of the second rope 91 can correspond to the structure of the first rope 90. The fibers 14 are bundled in strands 11 in cross-section. The rope 90, 91 is, for example, a 12-strand braided rope, as described in DIN EN ISO 10325. Alternatively, the rope 90, 91 can be an 8-strand braided rope. The supporting cables 30, 31 and the guy cables 32 can be conventional round-strand steel cables. Additionally, the cable 90, 91 has a durability coating. The durability coating is preferably an impregnation that penetrates the polyethylene fibers 14. As shown in Fig. 2b, the contour orThe outline 10 of the rope 90, 91 is circular in cross-section. In a further embodiment, the supporting ropes 30, 31 and the guy ropes 32 can be 12-strand or 8-strand ropes made of polyethylene fibers.

[0076] Fig. 3 shows a section of a mesh 12 of the net 2 of the first embodiment, with the nodes as connection points 7, which are formed from the two cables 90, 91. The connection points 7 are designed as described above. The first cable 90 has a thickness or diameter dg and the second cable 91 has a thickness or diameter dj_. The connection point 7 has the diameter or thickness D. The diameter or thickness of the connection point 7 is equal to or less than the sum of twice the maximum cable thickness dj_ or dg.

[0077] Fig. 4a shows the connection of the net 2 via connecting means 15 to the supporting structure 6 according to the first embodiment. The net 2 is connected to the upper supporting cable 31 at connection points 7 via a plurality of connecting means 15. Furthermore, a plurality of segments of the net 2 are connected to connection points 7 via a plurality of connecting means 15. The supporting post 5 receives the upper supporting cable 31 at an upper connection. At one end, the upper supporting cable 31 is connected to the ground. Furthermore, the supporting post shown is connected to the ground via the guy cable 32.

[0078] Fig. 4b shows an enlarged section of Fig. 4a. Fig. 4b shows in detail the connection of the net 2 to the supporting structure 6 according to the first embodiment. The supporting structure 6 has the supporting support 5, to which the supporting cable 31 and a guy cable 32 are attached. The supporting cable 31 is movably received at a connection of the supporting support. The guy cable 32 is fastened to the supporting support via a connecting means 15, in particular a shackle. The net 2 is fastened to the supporting cable 31 at a plurality of connection points 7 via connecting means 15. In addition, the net 2 is fastened to the supporting cable 31 at a plurality of connection points 7 via cable clamps 18.

[0079] Fig. 4c shows a further possibility of connecting the net 2 to the supporting structure 6, which can be provided in sections of the protective barrier 1 in the first embodiment. In this case, the net 2 is connected to the supporting structure 6 by means of the two cables 90, 91 via a plurality of connecting means 15 and a plurality of double connecting means 15. In addition, the upper supporting cable 31 is connected to the guy cable via connecting means 15. Thus, the net 2 is connected to the upper supporting cable 31 and the guy cable 32 via a connecting means 15. In addition, the net is connected to the upper supporting cable 31 via a connecting means 15. The net 2 can be connected to the upper supporting cable 31 and the guy cable 32 in one section via a connecting means 15 with a further connecting means (so-called double connecting means 15). The guy rope 32 is accommodated in a connection of the support column.Here too, the supporting structure 6 comprises the previously described supporting supports 5 with the upper connections, the upper supporting cable 31, the guy cable 32 and the connecting means 15.

[0080] Fig. 4d shows a ripper screw as a variant of the braking element 4 for the supporting cables 30, 31 and / or the

[0081] Guy ropes 32 of the supporting structure 6 of the protective barrier 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0082] Fig. 4e shows a further variant of the braking element 4 in side view (Fig. 4e top) and top view (Fig. 4e bottom) for the supporting cables 30, 31 and the guy cables 32 of the

[0083] Supporting structure 6 of the protective barrier 1 according to the first embodiment. The braking element 4 can be a cable brake. A supporting cable or guy cable is threaded through the perforated braking plate of the cable brake, as shown in the plan view in Fig. 4e, so that energy is absorbed by friction in the event of a strong tensile load. As an alternative to the cable brake as the braking element, cable clamps 18 can be used in the first embodiment. The braking element 4 is not limited to the cable brakes described above, and other known cable brakes with the function of limiting a tensile force can be used.

[0084] Fig. 5a shows a front view of a support post 5 of the first embodiment. The two support cables 30, 31 and a guy cable 32 are fastened to the support post 5. The support post 5 can have an articulated base or the base can be rigidly connected to the support post 5. The support post 5 has a plurality of connections in the upper region. In addition, the support post 5 has at least one connection in the lower region. Alternatively, the support post 5 can have at least one connection in the base. The guy cable 32 is fastened to the upper connections of the support post 5 via a thimble 15 with the aid of cable clamps 18 and a shackle 15. The upper support cable 31 runs through the upper receptacle in the support post 5. The lower support cable 30 runs through the lower receptacle in the support post 5.The upper support cable 31 and the lower support cable 30 are both attached to a rock anchor or ground anchor 3, for example, via a thimble 15 and rope clamps 18 and a shackle 15. The upper support cable 31 and the lower support cable 30 can also be attached to a rock anchor or ground anchor 3 via known alternatives.

[0085] Fig. 5b shows a side view of the support post 5 from Fig. 5a according to the first embodiment. The support post 5 has two connections in the upper area. A connecting means 15, preferably a shackle, can be present in each of the connections in the upper area of ​​the support post 5. In Fig. 5b, a lower receptacle for the movable passage of the lower support cable 30 is shown on the support post 5 shown. The inclination of the support post 5 can be adjusted by means of the base of the support post 5.

[0086] Figures 6a to 6c and Figure 6e show various variants of connecting means 15 which are used in the first embodiment. The connecting means 15 can be a shackle, a thimble, a rope eye, a rope shackle or a soft shackle. The connecting means 15 can be designed within one embodiment of the protective barrier 1 as a shackle, thimble, rope eye and / or rope shackle. Figure 6a shows a variant of a connecting means 15 in the form of a shackle. Figure 6b shows a variant of a connecting means 15 in the form of a thimble in plan view and side view. Figure 6c shows a variant of a connecting means 15 in the form of a rope eye in plan view and side view. The connecting means 15 has the function of minimizing friction-induced heat development when a rope 90, 91 passes through it.

[0087] Fig. 6d shows a cable clamp 18 with the function of securing one end of a supporting cable 30, 31 or a guy cable 32, either fixedly or non-movably, to the supporting cable 30, 31 or to the guy cable 32, respectively. This cable clamp 18 is used in the first embodiment.

[0088] Fig. 6e shows a variant of a connecting means 15 in the form of a rope shackle. The rope shackle serves to minimize rope friction and friction-induced heat generation.

[0089] Fig. 7 shows a side view of a rockfall event 16, as used in a test arrangement for assessing the suitability and effectiveness of the protective barrier. The rockfall event 16 is shown with the protective barrier 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention. A steep terrain topography is shown schematically in the side view. The protective barrier 1 is provided at a lower position. In addition, the moving object 13 is shown with the direction of movement 17 as an arrow.

[0090] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a rockfall event with the protective barrier 1 according to the first embodiment, in which the moving object 13 was stopped by the protective barrier 1. Moving objects can be caught by the protective barrier 1, thus protecting infrastructure such as vehicles or roads. When the moving object 13 is caught, the net 2 can deform downslope.

[0091] The method according to the invention determines the suitability of a stretched net 2 designed to catch a moving object 13 via a net in a catchment area. The net 2 comprises polyethylene. Fig. 7 shows a test arrangement for assessing the suitability and effectiveness of the protective barrier 1 with the net 2.

[0092] The method comprises the following steps. First, the kinetic impact energy of a moving object 13 on the spanned net 2 is determined. The spanned net 2 can correspond to the net 2 according to the invention.

[0093] Furthermore, the process calculates a specific area weight in kg / m 2 of the net 2 (preferably relative to the collecting area). The collecting area is the area of ​​the net that can come into contact with the moving object 13.

[0094] The energy weight class of the net is calculated by dividing the previously determined kinetic impact energy by the previously determined area-specific weight. It can then be determined whether the calculated energy weight class is 500 kJ / ( kg / m 2 ) or more. If the calculation leads to the result that the calculated energy weight class is 500 kJ / ( kg / m 2) or more, it can be determined that the net 2 has a suitable load-bearing capacity. If the calculation leads to the result that the calculated energy weight class is less than 500 kJ / ( kg / m 2 ), it can be determined that the net 2 is unsuitable. An unsuitable net 2 is a net that does not offer sufficient resistance to the expected kinetic energies and cannot stop the rockfall in the event of a possible rockfall event. Additionally, in the step of determining the area-specific weight of the net 2, the absorption area can be provided by at least a first rope 90, 91 of the net. Thus, the area-specific weight can only be determined for the net that has the ropes.

[0095] Additionally, the net 2 can be supported by a supporting structure 6. Preferably, the method can be used to determine the suitability of the protective barrier 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0096] By determining the suitability of whether a stretched net 2 has a suitable load-bearing capacity, it can be determined before the protective barrier 1 is installed whether the stretched net 2 can sufficiently hold and stop a moving object 13.

[0097] Although only detailed embodiments of the invention have been described, these are intended only to facilitate understanding of the invention and its effects. The scope of protection is defined by the following claims and should not be limited by the detailed description.

[0098] Reference symbol list:

[0099] 1 protective barrier,

[0100] 2 net, ground anchor, rock anchor, lower supporting cable (of the supporting structure), upper supporting cable (of the supporting structure), guy cable (of the supporting structure), braking element, supporting support, supporting structure, connection point, first opening in the first rope, second opening in the first rope, third opening in the second rope, a rope or first rope (of the net), a rope or second rope (of the net), enveloping contour of a rope, strands of the rope with fibers, mesh (of the net), moving object, fibers (of the net rope), connecting means, test arrangement, path of movement of the moving object, rope clamp.

Claims

Claims 1. Protective barrier (1) for catching a moving object (13), comprising a net (2) which has at least one rope (90, 91), wherein the rope comprises polyethylene, and a supporting structure (6) which stretches and fastens the net (2), wherein the stretched net (2) has an energy weight class of 500 kJ / (kg / m 2 ) or more.

2. A protective barrier (1) for catching a moving object (13), comprising: a net (2) and a supporting structure (6); wherein the supporting structure (6) spans and fastens the net (2); and wherein the net (2) has at least a first rope (90) and a second rope (91), each having a thickness, wherein the net (2) is knotted by the first rope (90) and the second rope (91), and the net (2) has at least one connection point (7), wherein the connection point (7) has a thickness, and the thickness of the connection point (7) corresponds to a maximum of twice the thickness of the first rope (90) or twice the thickness of the second rope (91), wherein the first rope (90) and the second rope (91) comprise polyethylene.

3. Protective barrier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supporting structure (6) is in contact with a subsurface and is designed to transmit forces to the subsurface; and wherein the supporting structure (6) is in force-locking contact with the tensioned net (2).

4. Protective barrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stretched net (2) has a resistance to a kinetic energy of the moving object (13) of at least 100 kJ, and / or the stretched net (2) is designed to transmit the kinetic energy of the moving object (13) to the supporting structure (6) and to distribute the tensile force of the impacting moving object (13) over the net (2).

5. Protective barrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the net (2) has a specific weight per unit area which is less than 1.5 kg / m 2 is.

6. Protective barrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one rope (90, 91) or the first rope (90) and the second rope (91) has a resistance coating which ensures a resistance of the at least one rope (90, 91) or of the first rope (90) and the second rope (91) against cutting, browsing, environmental influences and / or UV radiation.

7. Protective barrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one rope (90, 91) or the first rope (90) and the second rope (91) comprises a plurality of fibers and the fibers each have a tensile strength of 2000 N / mm 2 or more .

8. Protective barrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the net (2) is corrosion-resistant and / or is a flexible net.

9. Protective barrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the net (2) is connected to the supporting structure (6) via at least one connecting means (15).

10. Protective barrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the supporting structure (6) has at least one braking element (4).

11. Protective barrier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rope (90, 91) of the net comprises at least a first rope (90) and a second rope (92), wherein a section of the net (2) is formed by a connection point (7) between the first rope (90) and the second rope (91), wherein the connection point (7) has a first opening (80) and a second opening (81) in the first rope (90) through which the second rope (91) is passed, and a third opening (82) in the second rope (91) through which the first rope (90) is passed, wherein a part of the first rope (90) is located in the third opening (82) of the second rope and the third opening (82) of the second rope (91) is located between the first opening (80) and the second opening (81) of the first rope (90).

12. Protective barrier (1) according to claim 2 or 11, wherein a loss of a rope load-bearing capacity at the connection point (7) is less than 20% of the rope load-bearing capacity and / or wherein the connection point (7) of the net (2) is displacement-resistant and / or wherein at least the connection point (7) of the net (2) is not woven.

13. A method for determining the suitability of a stretched net (2) for catching a moving object (13), the net comprising polyethylene, the method comprising the steps of: Determining a kinetic impact energy of a moving object (13) on the spanned net (2), Determine the area-specific weight of the net (2) in kg / m 2 which can come into contact with the moving object (13), Calculate an energy weight class by dividing the kinetic impact energy by the area-specific weight, Determine whether the calculated energy weight class 500 kJ / (kg / m 2 ) or more; and if the calculated energy weight class is 500 kJ / (kg / m 2 ) or more, determining that the net (2) has a suitable load-bearing capacity.

14. A method for determining a suitability of a stretched net according to claim 13, wherein the net (2) is stretched by a supporting structure (6), wherein in the step of determining the area-specific weight of the net, a collecting surface is provided by at least one first rope (90, 91).

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