Evaluation of load-carrying capacity of full-scale falling protection net using distinct element method

Abstract

This article presents a simulation of a full-scale falling protection net using three-dimensional distinct element method. First, an application of distinct element method utilized cylinder rigid body element for collision response analysis of a flexible structure that has a long and slender shape similar to wire rope. Second, contact spring normally obtain contact force between the cylindrical element and spherical element in the case of distinct element method. However, connect spring that expresses axial stiffness like tension or compression and bending stiffness of the flexible structure was indicated as a fresh approach of the analysis method. Third, it is suggested to simulate large deformation program using connect spring of three-dimensional distinct element method and examine the application of reproducibility to analyze a full-scale falling protection net. Finally, the analysis result evaluated the performance of falling protection net using distinct element method which utilized connect spring and cylindrical model.