TS-LV Snow Catcher

Area of Application

The Snow Catcher is a dynamic defense structure installed in the avalanche deposition zone that helps dissipate energy and reduces the total runout length of an avalanche. They can be used where the cost of static defense structures is high or where a linear mitigation measure is preferable.

Self Supported

The post is similar to the lambda frame used for debris flow structures. It is self supporting, having a primary post in the plane of the net and a brace on the downslope side.

Brace-Post Connection

The connection between the primary post and the brace is through tongues with a large diameter pin for ease of installation. The post is subsequently reinforced in this area to resist buckling.

Base Plate

The base plates are designed to be secured to a foundation or bedrock with four bolts. The bolts are normally short pieces that are tied into the reinforcement elements of the foundation.

Rope Guidances

The bearing and middle ropes are led through rope guidances integrated in each post, providing large curved surfaces to help protect the ropes and nets and which allow unobstructed movement. The guidance is designed to be robust and with no movable parts in order to ensure longevity and zero maintenance.

Lateral Anchorage (Horizontal)

The system can be anchored at the open ends of the fence or internally using standard anchors or reinforced anchorage. This allows a system to be built in long sections. Long barriers consist of multiple sections of fencing that act independently.

AVT-phx Brake Elements

The AVT-phx series of brake elements are steel coils that unravel when a force is applied. The gauge, width and number of coils can be specified in order to control the amount of energy absorbed and the total displacement. With no moving parts, these are some of the safest and most reliable brakes in the industry.
Classification
ModelTS-LV Snow Catcher
StyleFixed Rotation
Impact Pressure
[kN/m2(lbf/ft2)]
up to 150
(3133)
Available Heights
[m (ft)]
up to 5.0
(16.4)
VerificationAnalytical
(site-to-site)
Primary Net
ModelOmega-Net 7.5/135Omega-Net 9.0/185Omega-Net 10.5/180
TypeSteel Wire CableSteel Wire CableSteel Wire Cable
Rope Diameter
[mm (inch)]
7.5
(0.30)
9.0
(0.35)
10.5
(0.41)
Rope Construction1 x 7 Spiral1 x 7 Spiral1 x 19 Spiral
Single Wire Diameter
[mm (inch)]
2.5
(0.10)
3.0
(0.12)
2.1
(0.083)
Corrosion ProtectionZn/ZnAl (Class A)Zn/ZnAl (Class A)ZnAl (Class A)
Mesh Size
[mm (inch)]
135 x 135
(5.3 x 5.3)
185 x 185
(7.3 x 7.3)
180 x 180
(7.1 x 7.1)
Unit Weight
[kg/m2(lb/ft2)]
5.6
(1.15)
6.8
(1.39)
10.5
(2.15)
Mesh Tensile Strength
calculated [kN/m (lbf/ft)]
386
(26,449)
465
(31,862)
756
(51,802)
Connection to Main RopesThreadedThreadedThreaded
Connection to Adjacent Panel3/8" Shackle7/16" Shackle1/2" Shackle
Omega-Net

The primary net material used in Trumer systems is called the Omega-Net. It is a steel cable net made from spiral rope that has thick individual wires to resist abrasion. The strands of rope are pre-bent into arcs resembling an omega shape and then woven together to make the net. This process yields an extremely strong net with high flexibility and energy absorption characteristics.

Bearing Ropes
Quantity
per fence segment
2
Max. Rope Diameter
[mm (inch)]
24
(0.945)
Corrosion ProtectionZn or ZnAl (Class A or B)
Brake Element
per rope
2
Brake Element TypeAVT-phx
Middle Ropes
Quantity
per fence segment
site dependent
Max. Rope Diameter
[mm (inch)]
24
(0.945)
Corrosion ProtectionZn or ZnAl (Class A or B)
Brake Element
per rope
2
Brake Element TypeAVT-phx
Support Structure
Post TypeLambda Frame
Post-Brace-Base Connection Hinged
Integrated LadderRungs every 0.5 m (19")
Rope GuidesIntegrated
Base Plate ConnectionTongue and pin
Anchors
per base plate
2 (x2)
Post Base Support
1.Post; 2.Brace; 3.Rope Guide; 4.Anchor and Net protector; 5.Base Plate; 6.Hinge Pin, Anchor Nut and Washer;
Base Plate Layout
Lateral Anchorage
1.Side Stabilization Rope; 2.Upper Bearing Rope; 3.Lower Bearing Rope; 4.Middle Bearing Rope; 5.Brake Element; 6.Anchor Eye; 7.Anchor

Lateral anchorage can be directly to a steep slope (e.g. gully embankments, as shown) or similar to a standard rockfall catchment fence. This allows the system to be used for protection against both confined or unconfined flows.

Typical Cross Section
1.Post; 2.Brace; 3.Base Plate; 4.Rope Guide; 5.Net protector; 6.Hinge Pin; 9.Anchor;
Typical Layout (Plan View)
1.Post; 2.Upper Bearing Rope; 3.Lower Bearing Rope; 4.Middle Bearing Rope; 5.Side Stabilization Rope; 6.Lateral Anchor;
Typical Layout (Front View)
1.Post; 2.Upper Bearing Rope; 3.Lower Bearing Rope; 4.Middle Bearing Rope; 5.Side Stabilization Rope; 6.Lateral Anchor;

NOTE: Every avalanche structure is custom designed for a specific site and loading conditions and so the exact details of the system will very from site to site. This is an important aspect of avalanche mitigation since standardized (e.g. CE marked systems) cannot address site specific requirements.

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