Field Techniques for Experimental Stress Analysis in Arctic Sea Ice

Abstract

AbstractIncreasing interest is being directed toward studies involving measurement of strain and strain-rates in sea and glacier ice. A number of techniques for obtaining these data over gauge lengths ranging from 1 m to several kilometers have been reported, but there has been little experience with shorter lengths. Use of commercially available electrical resistance strain-gauges (length 5–20 cm) intended for embedment in concrete offers a new approach in which multiple gauge, two- and three-dimensional arrays can be installed in ice with minimum effort and monitored with portable equipment. This report describes a pilot study designed to demonstrate the use of three types of electrical resistance strain gauges in sea ice under exposed field conditions. Results include detection of variations in strain fields related to tidal currents.