Standardization for Flexible Debris Retention Barriers

Abstract

Flexible net barrier systems against shallow landslides or debris flows have to be designed properly to withstand the expected dynamic loads. However, there are almost no generally accepted guidelines on how to test or certify flexible net barrier systems to a given standard as it is the case for e.g. protection against rockfalls where every approved net barrier has to be prototype tested. To develop similar procedures for debris loads it is necessary to know the typical loads to be expected for design purposes. Based on design loads some standard load scenarios have to be defined. To start a discussion on a possible standardization some input is proposed regarding state of the art in designing flexible barriers against debris loads. It is coupled to experience from field tests with debris flow and shallow landslide barriers, possible definitions of typical load cases and impact pressure coefficients for debris flows and shallow landslides as well as possible qualifying procedures.