Comparative evaluation of concrete sand-control fences used for railway protection in strong wind areas

Abstract Concrete-plate fences have been widely adopted for windblown sand control and mitigation along railways. However, the inclination angles of inserting concrete plate with respect to vertical direction, i.e., straight or obliquely inserted plates (SIP OIP), significantly influence efficiency sand-control. This study performs a comparative evaluation SIP OIP sand-control using wind tunnel testing field monitoring data collected from Lanzhou–Wulumuqi High-Speed Railway Project. The results show that fence’s ability reduce speed sand-retaining gradually weakens increasing speed. Compared fence, fence has better reduction capability, stronger capture fine particles below top fence; it is more efficient induces eddy intensity. Generally, test are consistent, whereas tests incline overestimate efficiency. also finds aeolian accumulated around can weaken protection efficiency, hence cleaning should be done periodically ensure designed functions.