Author(s): Jack W. Lewis; Kenneth R. Croasdale
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: A series of model-scale experiments were conducted in an ice model basin to assess the feasibility of modeling the interactions between pressure-ridged ice fields and bottom-founded structures. The experiments involved: (1) developing methods of constructing model pressure ridges and integrating these with the surrounding plate ice; (2) developing methods to measure the mechanical properties of the model ridges; (3) determining the most likely mode of failure of a pressure ridge; and, (4) determining magnitudes of horizontal and vertical forces exerted by the pressure ridge during breakup against the structure. Most of the experimentation concentrated on studying multi-year pressure ridges of rectangular cross-sections interacting with a cone of 45° sloping sides. It was found that a ridge initially failed with the formation of a radial crack running from the leading edge of the cone forward in the direction of movement. This was followed by the simultaneous formation of two "hinge" cracks in the ridge which occurred some distance away from the first crack depending upon the size and mechanical properties of the ridge. The formation of the two cracks correspond to the greatest loads and signaled the final failure of the ridge.
Year: 1978