Open Access

ARTICLE

Dynamic Response Research of Dangerous Rockfall Impact Protection Structures

Huaiqin Liu¹, Meng Li¹, Jianwen Shao², Weishen Zhang¹, Qifan Yang¹, Yutong Li¹, Tian Su^1,3,*, Xuefeng Mei⁴

1 School of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255000, China
2 School of Hydraulic and Civil Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
3 International College, Krirk University, Bangkok, 10220, Thailand
4 School of Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, China

* Corresponding Author: Tian Su. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Durability Assessment of Engineering Structures and Advanced Construction Technologies)

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring 2025, 19(6), 1563-1588. https://doi.org/10.32604/sdhm.2025.073009

Received 09 September 2025; Accepted 10 October 2025; Issue published 17 November 2025

Abstract

Rock collapse is a significant geological disaster that poses a serious threat to life and property in mountainous regions worldwide. Investigating the response of protective structures to rockfall impacts can provide valuable references for the design and placement of such structures. In this study, RocPro3D and ABAQUS were employed to comprehensively analyze rockfall movement trajectories and the structural response upon impact. The results indicate that when the impact velocity of rockfall at the protective structure reaches 20–30 m/sec, the corresponding bounce height ranges from 5 to 8 m, and most rockfall accumulates at the slope toe. The interface form of the structure significantly influences various impact response indicators, including impact force, penetration depth, contact area, concrete strain, and displacement of the slab’s lower surface. Furthermore, slabs equipped with a buffer layer experience substantially less damage compared to those without one.

---

Graphic Abstract

---

Keywords

---