DEM modeling of a cellular structure for rockfall protection based on a multiscale approach

In the field of civil engineering, cellular structures are often used for the construction of geotechnical works (bank stabilization, restraining walls). One innovative development is to use this technology for rockfall protection. The high deformability of these structures is very well adapted to dissipate the impact energy. A cell is a geocomposite material composed of a granular media surrounded by a wire mesh. As a general rule, cells are cubic-like and sizes are about one meter. However, the design of such structures is based on empirical knowledge limiting an advanced understanding and the optimization of the structure. This paper presents a numerical modeling of cellular structures with a multiscale approach, from the individual cell made up of an assembly of rocky particles contained in a wire netting cage, to the whole structure composed of a regular distribution of cells. Based on a discrete modeling on both cell scale and structure scale, this approach has given rise to the development of a computational tool for designing practical purposes.