Ballast-Filled Protective Wall Structure for Avalanche Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective structures for moving masses, such as avalanches, rockfalls, and mudslides, are costly and time-consuming to construct due to the need for specialized machinery and concrete foundations, anchors, and piles.
Innovation Solution
A protective structure composed of ballast-filled wall elements, which are positioned on a slope or riverbed and connected with flexible, movable connections, allowing relative movement to dissipate energy upon impact, without the need for foundations or anchors, using bulk materials like stones and gravel already present at the site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional protective structures use concrete foundations, anchors, and piles secured with specialized machinery, then structural stability is improved, but construction cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is divided into multiple modular wall elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each wall element functions as a discrete unit with standardized dimensions and connection interfaces, enabling rapid assembly without requiring complex foundation work or specialized anchoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall elements are designed with movable connections that allow relative movement between adjacent elements during impact events. This dynamic capability enables the structure to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation and movement, maintaining stability without requiring rigid anchoring to the ground.
2Reliability
If conventional protective structures use concrete foundations and specialized anchoring systems, then protection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into standardized wall elements with uniform connection interfaces, simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes. Each module can be produced using conventional construction methods without requiring specialized equipment for foundation work or anchoring installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall elements are designed as self-contained units that rely on their own weight and inter-element connections rather than permanent foundations or anchors. This approach uses simpler, more economical materials and construction methods compared to traditional concrete foundations and specialized anchoring systems.
3Reliability
If wall elements are rigidly connected to foundations and each other, then structural stability is improved, but energy dissipation capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arrangements between wall elements are designed to allow relative movement during impact events. This dynamic connection enables the structure to dissipate impact energy through controlled deformation and movement of wall elements, while maintaining overall structural stability through the interplay of gravity, friction, and connection geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure converts the harmful impact energy into beneficial energy dissipation mechanisms. The movable connections and gravity-based stability transform the kinetic energy of impacts into work done moving and deforming the wall elements, reducing the transmission of force to the protected area while maintaining structural integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides effective protection against moving masses by slowing them down and stopping them completely, while being easy to manufacture and install, reducing construction costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
the moving mass impacting them causes the wall elements to move relative to the support surface (i.e., relative to the floor) and relative to each other. This results in a dissipative energy conversion to slow down the moving mass
Implementation Method 2
The wall elements are designed and positioned in such a way that the moving mass impacting them causes the wall elements to move relative to the support surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a protective structure (1) for protecting against moving masses, namely avalanches, rockfalls, mudflows and tree falls, comprising: - a plurality of ballast-filled wall elements (2), which are spaced apart next to each other on a support surface; and - a connection assembly (3) between every two adjacent wall elements (2), each connection assembly connecting the two adjacent wall elements (2) and allowing relative movement between the two wall elements (2); wherein the wall elements (2) can be moved relative to the support surface and relative to each other by the moving mass, namely avalanche, rockfall, mudflow or tree fall, for dissipative conversion of energy.