Simulation of a block impacting a reinforced concrete slab with a finite element model and a mass-spring system

Rock falls can cause a lot of damage to infrastructure built along steep slopes. Recently, a 1/3 scale model of a new type of protection gallery, referred to as Structurally Dissipating Rock Shed, has been tested. The aim of this paper is to reanalyze the structural response of this protective system by a three-dimensional Finite Element model and a mass-spring system. In the numerical code (Ansys), an implicit analysis is performed and a smeared element (Solid65) is used to model the reinforced concrete slab. The model parameters are identified such that numerical results reproduce the measured structural behaviour as well as possible. The results of these two models are compared to several experimental tests and their accuracy in predicting the dynamic behaviour of the structure is assessed.