Performance Assessment of a Developed Brake Frame Based on the Application of a Proposed Equivalent Model in a Net Protection System for Debris Flow

Abstract

The demand for a net protection system for mitigating debris flow has increased recently for which new energy absorption devices have been hereby developed. The purpose of this study is to analyze the behavior and energy absorption rate of a brake frame, to find an efficient approach for its numerical simulation, and to increase its field applicability by analyzing its effects. Three methodologies were used for this purpose. Firstly, quasi-static load tests were conducted for analyzing the behavior of the brake frame. Secondly, three-dimensional FE modeling was performed to analyze the buckling and fractural behavior of steel rings. Lastly, the effects of the brake frame were numerically analyzed based on a proposed equivalent model. The results show that the brake frame can withstand the external force by elastic/local buckling, fracture of a steel ring, and elastic/plastic behavior of wire rope, and has the energy absorption rate of 53 kJ. It is deduced that the proposed equivalent model is capable to accurately simulate the behavior of the brake frame and can replace the three-dimensional model. The tensile force reduction in the system by using brake frames was observed to be about 75%. It is concluded that the proposed equivalent model for brake frame design is practically applicable.