Analysis of the influence of snow fences on snow redistribution under snow-drifting in railway cuttings

In order to reduce the amount of snow deposited in railway cuttings under the action of snow-drifting, this paper arranged three forms of snow fence and related wind and snow flow field monitoring equipment in the field test area, and the effect of different structural parameters of snow fences on snow redistribution was studied by wind tunnel test and numerical simulation. The results showed that there was an approximately 20-meter-long erosion area on the top of the slope, and the snow fences could deposit snow particles on both sides of the fences which reduced erosion on the top of the cutting slope. Compared with Single-3 and Single-5 fences, the amounts of deposited snow were increased by about 50% and 20%, respectively, under the action of Double-3 fences. When the snow was deposited in the cutting, it tended to accumulate on the leeward side of the snow deposition platform; and the snow amount on the subgrade surface rapidly increased when the snow platform reaches its carrying limit. The bottom gap of the snow fence accelerates the flow field near the ground and the snow particles extend to the leeward side, the height of the snow fence will affect the snow deposition range on the leeward side of the fence, and the porosity will affect the snow accumulation pattern of both sides of the fence.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effect of different structural parameters of snow fences on snow redistribution through wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations. The results show that snow fences can reduce erosion in railway cuttings, but their effectiveness varies depending on the type of fence. Additionally, the bottom gap, height, and porosity of the snow fence also affect the range of snow deposition and accumulation pattern.