Modelling of a snowpack in interaction with a flexible structure using a coupled Lagrangian‐discrete approach

The search to improve protective techniques against natural phenomena such as snow avalanches continues to use classic methods to calculate flexible structures. This paper deals with a new method for designing avalanche protection nets; this method is based on a coupled analysis of both the net structure and the snow mantel using a coupled Lagrangian‐discrete approach. This has led to the development of computational software so that avalanche nets can be easily designed. This tool provides for the evolving forces acting on several parts of the net as a function of the snow situation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.