Discrete element modelling of punch tests with a double-twist hexagonal wire mesh

Metallic wire meshes are commonly used for rockfall protection and rockfall mitigation. Their design is mostly based on empirical results and experience. Due to the significant importance of these structures, their design needs to be more accurate and, therefore, numerical methods are nowadays used for improving and optimising the design. The most common approaches are the finite element method (FEM) and the discrete element method (DEM). The latter is used in this work as it is particularly well suited for studying discontinuous problems, including failure, with high accuracy. The study focuses on the validation of a numerical model of a double-twisted hexagonal wire mesh subject to punch tests. The numerical model is represented by a set of spherical particles at the physical nodes of the mesh. Remote interactions are implemented to represent the wires. The numerical predictions are compared to the results of experimental tests to calibrate and validate the model. In particular, the influence of the stress-strain curves of the single wire and double-twist on the punch tests are investigated by using deterministic and stochastic models.