Modelling creep deformation in floating ice

Abstract

The ability to predict the response of an ice sheet to long-term loading is important in many situations. In northern regions, ice sheets have been used as construction platforms, drilling rig platforms, airfields, parking lots, and festival platforms. Numerical models can be used to predict the deflection of an ice sheet over time and, together with a failure criterion based on allowable deflection, can facilitate the safe use of an ice cover under long-term loading situations. In this study, a two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model was developed to model the behaviour of a homogeneous, transversely isotropic, infinite ice cover under long-term loading. The model was validated using 33 sets of long-term load test data from large-scale field experiments performed on lake, bay, and reservoir ice and was shown to be capable of reliably predicting deflections under a variety of loading scenarios.Key words: bearing capacity of ice, long-term loading, ice platforms.