Floor-to-ceiling vertical safety nets

Abstract

Of all the accidents caused as a result of human activity, free fall in building construction is the one that attracts most social interest, not only because of the economic cost, but also because of the high cost in human lives, as can be seen from the statistics.Historically, European governments have made important efforts to regulate the characteristics and use of safety devices, mainly by passing laws and regulations. One of those regulations is currently being developed by AENOR's Spanish Working Group AEN/CTN81/SC2/GT7. At the time of writing, it is still only a draft document.Numerical tests were performed during the present work using ANSYS finite element software, on different variations (square or diamond geometrical shapes, elasticity, eccentric impact, the material used for the perimeter cables, initial prestressing) of a safety net hit by a 100 kg ballast with a velocity of almost 6 m/s. The results are compared to those obtained in previous work for other types of nets, as well as obtaining stress results on the ballast, the net and the anchorages, maximum net deflection, and its consequences on the victim's safety.By these means, we are trying to advance our understanding of such nets, making it possible to answer questions that have arisen when drafting the new regulation, as described in detail in the paper.