Strap-Mesh Rockfall Panel for Energy-Absorbing Tunnel Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rockfall containment systems in subway mining tunnels and road works are limited by their inability to absorb kinetic energy from rockbursts, are non-ductile, and require inefficient installation processes, often leading to detachment and collapse during high-energy rockfall events.
Innovation Solution
A rockfall containment panel system utilizing a mesh of metal straps with a perimeter frame of flat tension wires, where the straps are securely fastened with buckles to maintain strength and elongation properties, allowing for effective absorption of kinetic energy through permanent plastic deformation, and can be pre-assembled and installed without the need for shotcreting or removal of anchor bolt components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If woven or electrowelded wire meshes are used for rockfall containment, then the mesh can be attached to tunnel walls, but the system cannot absorb kinetic energy from rockbursts and is non-ductile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid wire to ductile metal strip, enabling permanent plastic deformation to absorb kinetic energy. The metal strip's ability to undergo large deformations before failure allows the system to absorb rockburst energy while maintaining reliability and preventing detachment.
2Productivity
If current mesh installation methods are used, then the mesh can be installed on anchor bolts, but the installation process is inefficient and requires shotcreting
Solution Approach 1:
The metal strip mesh is pre-assembled with buckles and connectors before installation. This preliminary preparation allows workers to simply attach the pre-fabricated mesh to the anchor bolts without requiring shotcreting or complex on-site assembly, significantly improving installation efficiency and reducing process complexity.
3Strength
If metal strip mesh with buckles is used, then the mesh can absorb kinetic energy through plastic deformation, but the nodes must preserve original strap strength while retaining elongation properties
Solution Approach 1:
The node connection is segmented into two functional parts: the buckle provides mechanical connection preserving strap strength, while the strap itself retains elongation properties for energy absorption. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the other, achieving both strength preservation and ductility.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the mesh is firmly fastened to the frame with buckles, then the perimeter structure maintains integrity, but the installation requires precise alignment and fastening at each node
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The interlocking geometry of the buckles allows workers to simply engage the connections without requiring precise alignment tools or complex fastening procedures, making the assembly process straightforward while ensuring perimeter frame 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
The system effectively contains rockfall by absorbing kinetic energy, maintaining integrity during high-energy events, and simplifies installation, reducing labor and time while ensuring the system remains anchored and resistant to detachment, thus enhancing tunnel safety and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
The mesh will stop the mass released at high speed by pulling the straps firmly contained by the frame until they locally reach their permanent plastic deformation, therefore absorbing the kinetic energy of the rock mass
Data Source
AI summary
A panel system for the containment of landslides caused by partial collapses and also by “rock breakdowns”, for use in the fortification of mining tunnels, hillsides and roads, together with anchor bolts and plates, comprising a network constituted by straps of metal or other material resistant to traction or with the capacity of tearing along the strap (1) (2) (3), with each node of this network firmly linked with a buckle (6) (7) (8) (16) and with a frame (20) attached to this network, where the frame comprises flat tendons (17) near the perimeter of the panel, linked to plates with lugs (D11) or with flat connectors (12) (13) (14) (15) which go beneath the normal plates.