Impact force propagation behaviors of rock into horizontal granular mat with different falling conditions using 2D- DEM

Abstract

Cushioning materials, such as granular mats and sand mats placed on rock sheds, are attracting attention as construction devices that can effectively disperse and reduce rock fall energy before rocks collide with protection works. To support performance-based designs for rock fall countermeasures, the present study estimated rock fall behaviors and impact forces using the discrete element method (DEM), and investigated a parameter determination method for the rational use: especially, damping factor was focused. The effects of loading conditions were also examined, such as shape of falling mass and its velocity, by considering the accumulated impulse and rate dependency of load-displacement of granular mat.