Abstract
In this work, the mechanical response of a steel wire mesh panel against a punching load is studied starting from laboratory test conditions and extending the results to field applications. Wire meshes anchored with bolts and steel plates are extensively used in rockfall protection and slope stabilization. Their performances are evaluated through laboratory tests, but the mechanical constraints, the geometry and the loading conditions may strongly differ from the in situ conditions leading to incorrect estimations of the strength of the mesh. In this work, the discrete element method is used to simulate a wire mesh. After validation of the numerical mesh model against experimental data, the punching behaviour of an anchored mesh panel is investigated in order to obtain a more realistic characterization of the mesh mechanical response in field conditions. The dimension of the punching element, its position, the anchor plate size and the anchor spacing are varied, providing analytical relationships able to predict the panel response in different loading conditions. Furthermore, the mesh panel aspect ratio is analysed showing the existence of an optimal value. The results of this study can provide useful information to practitioners for designing secured drapery systems, as well as for the assessment of their safety conditions.
Highlights
Secured drapery systems are widely used as a countermeasure to rockfalls and shallow unstable phenomena along slopes
The Discrete element method (DEM) was used to analyse the mechanical behaviour of a hexagonal double-twisted wire mesh panel subjected to a punching loading condition
The numerical mesh model was validated against experimental results of a standard UNI punch test
Summary
Secured drapery systems are widely used as a countermeasure to rockfalls and shallow unstable phenomena along slopes These systems are composed of a steel wire mesh, which is pinned to stable outcrops or to firm layers by means of tie rods or bolts and anchor plates (see Fig. 1). The stabilizing action that the mesh system can exert is strongly related to its deformation, which in turn is controlled by the load induced on it by the retained material [27] (e.g. unstable rock blocks, debris) This progressive activation of the mesh system retaining action highlights that secured draperies are characterized by passive behaviour [5, 9], and localized movements of the. Acta Geotechnica (2021) 16:2553–2573 extending the results of the standard laboratory characterization to field conditions (Sect. 4.6)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
