The study of rockfall trajectory and kinetic energy distribution based on numerical simulations

Rockfall trajectory and kinetic energy distribution are the main components of rockfall research. In many cases, limited by site conditions, field experiments cannot be conducted adequately, so numerical simulation is necessary. This paper investigates the rockfall hazard on a slope in Yuanyang city, Dalian, China. Field experiments, ROCFALL software simulation and a secondary development simulation based on the discrete element method (DEM) were used to obtain the kinetic characteristics of ten rock blocks on four profiles. Comparing the results of two simulation methods with the field experiments shows that the DEM simulation is more accurate and comprehensive. According to the simulated trajectory and kinetic energy distribution of rockfalls, the area influenced by rockfalls is obtained, and a flexible barrier is selected as the protection measure. Therefore, DEM simulation is an effective means to study rockfall movement and can serve as the basis for the design of safety engineering.