Evaluation of the resistant capacity of cable nets using the finite element method and experimental validation

This work evaluates the resistant capacity of cable nets for the stabilization of slopes. Two tests have been carried out, one with a concentrated load and the other with distributed load, in order to simulate the in situ working conditions of these systems. Tensile, sliding and shear tests were also carried out on the joint elements of the net cables. The results of the tests were used to simulate different geometrical configurations using the finite element method (FEM) by means of the ANSYS program. This approach permits the extrapolation from tested cable nets to untested simulated cable nets, maintaining a basic configuration of constant parameters. The lab tests provide information about the strain and maximum resistance, but they do not establish a relationship between the values of stresses of each net element. These data have been obtained through the computational simulation by FEM generating a new methodology for the design of these systems. At this time, there is no testing standard, but Northern Spain manufacturers are certifying products with these tests. The testing and simulation provide useful results for the design of slope stabilization systems comprised of anchored cable nets.