An overview of Rockfall Simple Drapery Design: From Empirical Designs to Software-Based Analysis-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The presentation reviews the design of simple rockfall drapery, progressing from empirical methods to software-based, site-specific analysis. Simple drapery guides falling rock toward a safe catchment area and can be a cost-effective option when slope stabilization is unnecessary. It is not suitable for actively moving or unstable slopes, provides no force to stabilize the slope, and may require debris cleanup.<br /><br />Design must account for mesh tensile strength and weight, anchor layout and spacing, and whether the installation includes a closed toe and bottom cable. Empirical rules of thumb and experience can be useful, but oversimplified approaches may overlook important site conditions.<br /><br />A limit-equilibrium approach compares resisting forces—primarily mesh strength and anchor capacity—with driving forces from the drapery, accumulated debris, and potentially snow or ice. Anchor behavior depends on its type: steel bar anchors are checked for shear, while cable anchors are checked for tension. Vertical ropes can help reduce stress concentrations in the mesh and top cable.<br /><br />The analysis should verify the factor of safety, anchor strength and embedment, mesh tensile capacity and corrosion resistance, and support-cable force and diameter. The main conclusion is that precision and site-specific design matter; accessible tools, including software such as MacRO Online Design, can support these checks.

Keywords

rockfall drapery

mesh tensile strength

anchor layout

limit equilibrium

site-specific design

factor of safety

support cable

closed toe

debris cleanup

MacRO Online Design