IMPACT-ABSORBING DEVICE FOR USE IN EARTH-BANK-PROTECTION SYSTEMS

摘要

The invention relates to an impact-absorbing device for use in earth-bank-protection systems, which is installed in retaining structures that are used to protect against falling stones and other bodies that may fall away from a hillside. The inventive device comprises two cables which take the form of a loop and which are each sheathed in a U-shaped tube. The cables are interlinked or disposed in parallel with the upper and lower parts of the loops fixed together by means of clamping elements which compress the tubes. The aforementioned cables can be installed taut between the mountain anchor and the protection system or positioned in the support cables for the netting which is supported by posts. When the retaining structure is overloaded, the strain in the cables forces the tubes to alter in shape in order to pass between the clamping elements, said friction producing a dissipation of energy.