Author(s): Lennart Billfalk
Linked Author(s): Lennart Billfalk
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The process of breaking up a solid ice cover on a river due to rapid fluctuations in water level and flow rate starts according to Donchenko by the formation of shore cracks. Formulas for predicting the change in water level that creates shore cracks along a straight river are derived using the theory for beams on elastic foundation and assuming elastic deformation of the ice. Application to the case of a hinged support at the shore appears to give results that agree with these referenced by Donchenko. The analysis also gives expressions for the distance from the shore to the crack in the cover and the vertical reaction force against the shore or a structure. Simple laboratory and field experiments have been performed and the results of measurements agree fairly well with the theory. Finally, some observations from a regulated river are presented which show how the ice cover thickens close to the shore due to repeated cracking and subsequent flooding of water in this area.
Year: 1981