Rockfall prevention fence

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rockfall prevention fence (1) for installation between the mountain side (BS) and the valley side (TS) of a mountain slope (B), comprising at least two guide means (2A, 2B) for a net (3) with an upper edge (4) and a lower edge (5), and an upper load-bearing rope (6) guiding the upper edge (4) on the guide means (2A, 2B), characterized in that the rockfall prevention fence (1) is provided with at least one intermediate rope (7A) extending from an upper end point (8A) fixed to the upper load-bearing rope (6) to a lower end point (9A) that can be fixed on the mountain slope (B).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rockfall prevention fence as defined in the preamble of claim 1. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of such a rockfall fence is that disclosed in Patent Document 1. The advantage of this rockfall fence is to be found in the fact that, on the one hand, it is possible to absorb high energies in the net, and, on the other hand, it is also possible to transport the collected material from the support area to a more easily accessible area located below the support. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2489785 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In typical rockfall fences, the damping elements required to absorb high energies are mostly located within the support area, which makes maintenance and repair work more complicated, especially when typical rockfall fences are installed in difficult-to-access terrain.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a rockfall fence of the type set out in the preamble of claim 1 which is also suitable for absorbing high energies in the net and at the same time makes it easy to carry out maintenance and repair work, in particular on the braking elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0007] A rockfall fence according to the present invention for installation between the mountain side (high side) and the valley side (low side) of a mountain slope comprises at least two guide means, a net having an upper edge and a lower edge, an upper load-bearing rope that guides the upper edge of the net in the guide means, and at least one intermediate rope that extends from an upper end point fixed to the upper load-bearing rope to a lower end point that can be fixed on the mountain slope.

[0008] Advantageously, a rockfall fence according to the invention may comprise only one upper load-bearing rope. However, it is also possible to provide several such upper load-bearing ropes instead, especially for bundling them, if this is required due to the expected loads. Furthermore, a rockfall fence according to the invention does not comprise any horizontal intermediate ropes, which would still require the provision of braking elements and thus could hold obstacles that become trapped in the upper area or would again increase maintenance and repair efforts.

[0009] In contrast, the intermediate rope arrangement of the rockfall fence according to the invention has the advantage that accumulated stones or boulders can be guided downwards.

[0010] As a possible alternative, at least one intermediate rope may also be provided that is guided diagonally or obliquely through the hit field in the area of ​​the net. For this purpose, the intermediate rope may be arranged from an upper end point fixed to the upper load-bearing rope to a lower end point fixed to the mountain slope. In this embodiment, the at least one intermediate rope may also comprise a braking element that can be fixed to the mountain slope and is arranged adjacent to the lower edge of the net.

[0011] The connection between the intermediate ropes and the net can be made by tying the intermediate ropes to the net or by abutting the intermediate ropes against the side facing the terrain at the top or on the side opposite to the side facing the terrain, in which case the intermediate ropes are preferably connected to the net via connecting elements such as shackles or sewing ropes.

[0012] Advantageously, at least one intermediate rope comprises a braking element which can be fixed on the mountain slope and which is arranged adjacent to the lower edge of the net.

[0013] This advantageously not only allows collected material to be transferred from the support area (the area including the support) to more easily accessible areas below the support, but also ensures that the braking elements are located in those more easily accessible areas, which greatly facilitates any necessary maintenance and repair work, especially after a collision.

[0014] The dependent claims relate to advantageous further developments of the invention.

[0015] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the rockfall fence according to the invention comprises two intermediate ropes, each of which may be provided with an associated braking element, the braking elements being arranged adjacent to the lower edge of the net.

[0016] Anchors securable in the mountain slope may be provided for securing the at least one intermediate rope.

[0017] If several intermediate ropes, in particular two intermediate ropes, are provided, each of these intermediate ropes can be fixed in the mountain slope by means of an associated anchor.

[0018] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments based on the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a slightly simplified schematic side view of a rockfall fence according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view or plan view of the rockfall prevention fence shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 of a first variant of a rockfall fence according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIGS. 2 and 3 of a second variant of the rockfall fence according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a rockfall prevention fence 1 to be installed between the mountain side BS and the valley side TS of a mountain slope B.

[0021] This rockfall fence 1 comprises at least two guide means, of which only one, guide means 2A, is visible in Figure 1 for the sake of the selected example. However, the illustration in Figure 2 shows that in the example case shown in this figure, a total of five such guide means can be provided in the form of supports (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E). However, at least two guide means or supports (2A, 2B) must be provided in order to be able to tension the net 3, which is a further component of the rockfall fence 1 according to the invention. Naturally, it is possible to provide more than five such guide means or supports, depending on the size of the area to be protected by the rockfall fence 1.

[0022] As an alternative to such a support, for example in a terrain gully, in particular in the form of a creek or river bed, it is possible to tension the net 3. In this case, no support is required, as the net 3 can be fixed to the edges that delimit the gully (channel-shaped terrain form).

[0023] Another alternative form of support may be two walls, in particular reinforced concrete walls or similar in form, which are provided in some way on the mountain pass, for example for other purposes.

[0024] As can be seen from a combined view of Figures 1 and 2, the net 3 comprises an upper edge 4 and a lower edge 5, the lower edge 5 extending a corresponding distance from the upper edge 4 depending on the size of the net 3.

[0025] The rockfall protection fence 1 according to the invention further comprises an upper load-bearing rope 6 which guides the upper edge 4 over at least two guide means, in particular five guide means (2A to 2E) provided according to Figure 2.

[0026] According to the invention, at least one intermediate rope 7A is also provided, which intermediate rope 7A comprises: Upper edge 4 of net 3 to via rope connection 22A It extends from a fixed upper end point 8A to a lower end point 9A which can be fixed on the mountain slope B. The upper edge 4 of this net 3 extends along a common load-bearing rope axis with the upper load-bearing ropes 6 .

[0027] Figure 1 further shows that the rockfall fence 1 according to the invention further comprises at least one braking element 10A, which is arranged adjacent to the lower edge 5 of the net 3 and which can be fixed on the mountain slope B, for example via anchors 11A. Here, Figure 1 shows the installed state of the rockfall fence 1 according to the invention, where the fixing on the mountain slope B by the anchors 11A has been made on the valley side TS.

[0028] The view obtained by combining Figures 1 and 2 further shows that the support 2A is fixed to the mountain slope B by two mountain side restraining ropes (18A, 18A') via two mountain side anchors (21A, 21A').

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the support 2A comprises a column head 13A through which the upper load-bearing rope 6 is guided.

[0030] The support body 2A is provided at its lower end with snap-pin bolts 36 and a bottom plate 35. The bottom plate 35 is fixed to the mountain slope B by tension piles 37, micropile tubes 38 and press-fit piles 39.

[0031] As already explained with reference to Figure 2, at least two guide means are required to tension the net 3, which guide means are formed as supports (2A, 2B) in the particularly preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2. However, as explained, in the example case where five such supports (2A-2E) are provided, each of these supports (2A-2E) is arranged at a distance from one another. Since the assembly, arrangement and fastening or installation of these supports (2A-2E) are all similar, reference will be made in the following to supports (2A, 2B) as representing all supports (2A-2E).

[0032] The support 2A is connected to a load-bearing rope 12A, which has an upper end point 14A fixed to the support 2A. The load-bearing rope 12A further has a lower end point 15A connected to a braking element 16A, which can be anchored to the mountain slope B via an anchor 17A.

[0033] A corresponding arrangement comprises a support 2B, which can also be fixed on the mountain slope B via a load-bearing rope 12B having an upper end point 14B and a lower end point 15B, a braking element 16B and an anchor 17B.

[0034] In this embodiment, two intermediate ropes (7A, 7B), called intermediate ropes because they are located in the intermediate region between the two load-bearing ropes (12A, 12B), extend between the two load-bearing ropes (12A, 12B).

[0035] The two intermediate ropes (7A, 7B) have upper end points (8A, 8B) and lower end points (9A, 9B). The upper end points (8A, 8B) are attached to the upper load-bearing rope 6 via rope connections (22A, 22B), respectively. The rope connections (22A, 22B) may preferably be formed as T-shaped connections, e.g., as movable components.

[0036] The intermediate ropes (7A, 7B) further comprise braking elements (10A, 10B) arranged adjacent to the lower edge 5 of the net 3, and the braking elements (10A, 10B) have their lower end points (9A, 9B) fixed to them. The fixing of the braking elements (10A, 10B), and therefore the fixing of the lower end points (9A, 9B) of the intermediate ropes (7A, 7B), is achieved by anchors (11A, 11B).

[0037] Thus, all of the braking elements (10A, 10B) of the intermediate ropes (7A, 7B) and the braking elements (16A, 16B) of the load-bearing ropes (12A, 12B) are arranged adjacent to the lower edge 5 of the net 3, which lower edge 5 is associated with an easily accessible area of ​​the mountain slope B, as shown in Figure 1. As a result, both stones or boulders transported into this easily accessible area by the intermediate ropes (7A, 7B) can be easily and risk-free removed from the net 3, and maintenance work, in particular repair work on the braking elements, can also be carried out easily and safely.

[0038] 2 also shows that the upper load-bearing rope 6 can be secured laterally to the mountain slope B via side anchors (20A, 20E) at each of the two outermost supports (2A, 2E). Furthermore, side braces (19A, 19E) are provided in the region of each of these outermost supports (2A, 2E). Both the ends of the upper load-bearing rope 6 and the ends of the side braces (19A, 19E) can be secured to the mountain slope B via side anchors (20A, 20E).

[0039] If necessary due to particularly high expected energies, braking elements may also be provided in the region of these side anchors (20A, 20E).

[0040] The rope connections (22A, 22B) may be configured to be movable along the load-bearing rope axis of the upper load-bearing rope 6 or fixed, as described above.

[0041] As already explained, the particularly preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a total of five supports (2A to 2E).

[0042] Furthermore, intermediate ropes (7A', 7B') are provided between the load-bearing ropes associated with the supports (2B, 2C), intermediate ropes (7A", 7B") are provided between the load-bearing ropes associated with the supports (2C, 2D), and intermediate ropes (7A'", 7B'") are provided between the load-bearing ropes associated with the supports (2D, 2E). With regard to their arrangement, tensioning and fastening, reference may be made to the above description of the intermediate ropes (7A, 7B), since in this respect both the supports (2A-2E) and the respective intermediate ropes are formed, arranged and fastened in the same way.

[0043] This also applies to the mountain side restraining ropes already described by way of example for all supports (2A to 2E) by means of the restraining ropes (18A, 18A', 18B) for supports (2A, 2B).

[0044] The embodiment of the rockfall fence 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 3 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 2 only in the arrangement of the lower net edge ropes 28 that guide the lower edge 5 of the net 3. These lower net edge ropes 28 run along the entire lower edge 5 and are secured and tensioned on both sides of the net 3 at the mountain slope B via braking elements (24 or 25) and anchors (26 or 27). The upper load-bearing ropes 6, the load-bearing ropes of the supports (2A-2E), the intermediate ropes and the lower net edge ropes 28 are preferably tied to or threaded through the net 3.

[0045] For all other components of the embodiment of the rockfall fence 1 according to FIG. 3, reference may be made to the description given for FIG.

[0046] This also applies to the embodiment of the rockfall fence 1 according to Fig. 4, in which, as in the embodiment according to Fig. 3, the lower edge 5 of the net 3 is guided via net edge ropes 28, which can be fixed on both sides of the net 3 at the mountain slope B via braking elements (29, 31) and anchors (30, 32). The lower load-bearing ropes 23 in this embodiment are arranged at a distance A from the net edge ropes 28 and are fixed on both sides to the mountain slope B via braking elements (24, 25) and anchors (26, 27). As Fig. 4 shows, this has the advantage that only the load-bearing ropes (12A, 12B) need to be fixed to the mountain slope B via anchors (17A, 17B), while the intermediate ropes (7A, 7B) can be fixed to the lower load-bearing ropes 23 via rope guides (33, 34). This fixation can preferably be made movable along the axis of the lower load-bearing ropes 23. It is also possible for several such load-bearing ropes to be provided, for example combined in a bundle.

[0047] Furthermore, there is the advantage that the braking elements of the load-bearing ropes (12A, 12B) and the intermediate ropes (7A, 7B) can easily extend into the area created by the distance A if this is necessary due to the intrusion of one or more boulders into the net 3.

[0048] As already mentioned, with regard to the configuration of the arrangement of the rockfall fence 1 shown in FIG. 4 and the fastening of the components, reference may be made to the description of the preceding embodiment.

[0049] In addition to the above written disclosure of the present invention, specific reference is made herein to the pictorial representation of the present invention in FIGS. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1:Rockfall prevention fence 2A~2E: Guide means / support body 3: Internet 4: Upper edge 5: Lower edge 6: Upper load-bearing rope 7A, 7B: Intermediate rope 8A, 9A: End point 10A, 10B: Braking element 11A, 11B: Anchor 13A, 13B: Column head 16A, 16B: Braking element 17A, 17B: Anchor 18A, 18A´, 18B: Mountain side restraint rope 19A, 19B: Side braces 20A, 20E: Anchor 21A, 21A´: Mountain side anchor (mountain side restraint rope anchor) 22A, 22B: Rope connection 24, 25: Braking elements 26, 27: Anchor 28: Net edge rope 29: Braking element 30: Anchor 31: Braking element 32: Anchor 33, 34: Rope guide 35: Bottom plate 36: Bolt with snap pin 37: Tension pile 38: Micropile tube 39: Press-in pile A: Distance B: Mountain slope BS: Mountain side (high altitude side) TS: Valley side (low side)

Claims

1. A rockfall prevention fence (1) for installation between a mountain side (BS) and a valley side (TS) of a mountain slope (B), comprising a net (3) having an upper edge (4) and a lower edge (5), at least two guide means (2A, 2B) for the net (3), and an upper load-bearing rope (6) for guiding the upper edge (4) in the guide means (2A, 2B), The rockfall prevention fence (1) is provided with at least one intermediate rope (7A) extending from an upper end point (8A) fixed via a rope connection part (22A) at the upper edge part (4) of the net (3) to a lower end point (9A) that can be fixed to a mountain slope (B), the at least one intermediate rope (7A) is provided with a braking element (10A) that can be fixed to the mountain slope (B) and that is arranged adjacent to the lower edge (5) of the net (3); the upper edge (4) of the net (3) extends along a common load-bearing rope axis with the upper load-bearing rope (6); The rope connection (22A) is movable along the load-bearing rope axis over the upper edge (4) of the net (3) or is fixed to the upper edge (4) of the net (3). A rockfall prevention fence (1).

2. 2. A rockfall fence according to claim 1, characterized in that two intermediate ropes (7A, 7B) are provided, each of the two intermediate ropes (7A, 7B) having an associated braking element (10A or 10B), respectively, arranged adjacent the lower edge (5) of the net (3).

3. 3. A rockfall fence according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two guide means (2A, 2B) are formed as supports arranged adjacent to one another.

4. further comprising associated load-bearing ropes (12A, 12B) and associated braking elements (16A, 16B); the upper end points (14A, 14B) of the associated load-bearing ropes (12A, 12B) are fixed at the fixing points (13A, 13B) of the associated guiding means (2A, 2B), respectively; the associated load-bearing ropes (12A, 12B) extend from the upper end points (14A, 14B) to lower end points (15A, 15B) that can be anchored on the mountain slope (B); The associated braking elements (16A, 16B) are each positioned adjacent the lower edge (5) of the net (3). The rockfall prevention fence according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A rockfall prevention fence according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guiding means (2A, 2B) can be fixed to the mountain slope (B) via mountain side restraint ropes (18A, 18A'; 18B, 18B') that engage at the respective fixing points (13A, 13B).

6. A rockfall prevention fence according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the outermost guiding means (2A, 2E) of the net (3) can be fixed on the mountain slope (B) via rope braces (19A, 19E) which engage with the respective fixing points (13A, 13E).

7. A rockfall prevention fence according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the upper end points (8A, 8B) of the intermediate ropes (7A, 7B) are attached to the upper load-bearing ropes (6) via rope connections (22A or 22B).

8. 8. A rockfall prevention fence according to claim 7, wherein the rope connection parts (22A, 22B) are formed as T-shaped connection parts.

9. 9. A rockfall fence according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the rope connections (22A, 22B) are formed as movable components.

10. A rockfall prevention fence according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lower edge (5) of the net (3) is guided via a lower net edge rope (28).

11. 11. A rockfall fence according to claim 10, characterized in that the lower net edge ropes (28) extend approximately parallel to the upper load-bearing ropes (6) at least in the area of ​​the net (3).

12. 12. A rockfall fence according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the lower net edge ropes (28) can be anchored at the mountain slope (B) via at least one braking element (24, 25) and at each rope end via associated side anchors (26, 27).

13. Rockfall fence according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a lower load-bearing rope (23) extends at a distance (A) from the net edge ropes (28), and the intermediate rope or ropes (7A, 7B) are guided in the lower load-bearing rope (23) via rope guide elements (33, 34).

14. A rockfall prevention fence according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that anchors (11A, 11B) are provided on the mountain slope (B) to secure one of the intermediate ropes (7A) or multiple of the intermediate ropes (7A, 7B).

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