Use of Polymeric Energy Absorption Liners to Improve the Concrete Rock Fall Barriers

Eren Kömürlü

doi:10.35180/gse-2021-0062

Abstract

In this study, usability of polymer foam coatings on impact surfaces of concrete rock fall barriers to increase the energy absorption capacity performances was investigated with a series of experimental studies. For this purpose, impact tests were carried out on different concrete block samples within the laboratory tests. According to the results, it was determined that the displacement values of the barrier blocks due to the impact effect can be significantly reduced by using polymer energy absorption liners. Additionally, cracks and failures of the concrete block bodies resulting from high impact energies can be prevented by the polymer energy absorption liners. It was assessed that a polyurethane based thermoset foam coating with a density of 60 kg/m3 can economically and remarkably improve the concrete barriers against impact loads. Keywords: Concrete barriers; Energy absorption capacity; Rock fall barriers; Rock falls.

Highlights

It is possible to use concrete barriers on the slope sides of roads to prevent the damages of the rock falls
The friction capacity at the bottom of concrete blocks and the energy absorption capacity of the concrete block bodies are the main parameters for the performance of rock fall barriers
The scope of this study is to investigate whether the polyurethane foam coat is effective for improvement of the impact energy absorption capacities of the concrete block barriers, or not

Summary

Introduction

It is possible to use concrete barriers on the slope sides of roads to prevent the damages of the rock falls. Falling rock blocks cause an impact load on the barriers. Depending on the energy level of that dynamic (impact) loading, concrete barriers can be broken and/or have significant displacements. In this context, the friction capacity at the bottom of concrete blocks and the energy absorption capacity of the concrete block bodies are the main parameters for the performance of rock fall barriers. The amount of impact energy acting on the barriers depends on various factors such as the falling height, frictions during the fall, the rock block weight and its geometric shape [1,2,3].

Methods

Results

Conclusion