Dynamic Simulation of a Rockfall Fence by the Discrete Element Method

: This paper presents a novel numerical model for the dynamic simulation of a rockfall prevention fence using the discrete element method (DEM). An approximate two-dimensional DEM model provides the basis for an efficient numerical technique for solving three-dimensional fence-rock dynamic impact situations. It is shown that the computational results can provide the structural engineer with quantitative information concerning the overall fence design parameters. The dynamics simulation software was developed on an Intel based CPU 80486 microcomputer. This hardware environment was also used to perform the dynamic analyses which are described herein.