Ice/Structure Interaction Tests with Ice Containing Flaws

Abstract

AbstractA test series has been performed to investigate the influence of flaws or cracks in ice during an ice/structure interaction event. The tests were carried out by measuring the horizontal load on a 6 cm diamter vertical indentor which was being pushed through sheets of fresh-water ice containing flaws of various shapes, lengths, and densities. The results are analyzed and correlated in terms of an elementary damage theory. The tests show that flaws can have a significant influence on the load which an ice sheet can exert on a structure.