Rockfall protection embankments: from experiments to numerical modelling

Abstract

Rockfall protection embankments are soil levees aiming at intercepting falling boulders at the toe foot of slopes. Based on the need for optimisation of these structures, a new type of embankment is proposed. It consists in using geocells to build a modular structure. To develop this technology, an intensive study was initiated, combining an experimental approach with numerical modelling based on a multi-scale approach. This paper describes the approach, presenting the experimental and numerical methods implemented. Beyond its technical scope, it illustrates how research approaches can improve the comprehension of structures under severe loadings and leading ultimately to optimized design tools adapted to the needs of engineering.