ABSTRACT
The design of rock fall protection structures such as wire-rope fences is based on the efficient absorption of impact energy. This requires that the structure be both flexible and stiff. That is, the structure must be flexible to deflect during impact, and also stiff so that energy is absorbed during deflection. The most effective protection structures are those in which energy is absorbed uniformly throughout the impact period. This chapter discusses the design principles for protection structures that absorb energy efficiently.
