Ice Forces on Structures

Jeffrey Havelin, P.E.

Course Outline

Any structure placed in an environment where the presence of ice is a hazard to its integrity and stability needs to be designed to withstand the forces generated by ice moving against it. A designer should also consider how the cold might affect the intended operations of a structure; because freezing of ice may hinder some of the normal warm weather operations.

The guidelines presented in this (four-hour) course are intended for structures placed in inland waters, e.g., lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.

The methodology given in this course for estimating ice forces is based on the results of theoretical and experimental research in ice mechanics and measurements of ice forces in the field. Most recently, our understanding of processes active during crushing of ice at various indentation speeds has been increased. Data on measured ice forces on large structures have recently been published. Except for the recommended values of effective pressure, the Corps guidelines for ice forces on structures are almost the same as those of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO 1994), which in turn were adopted from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA 1988, 2000). Montgomery et al. (1984) provides the background information for the recommendations in CSA (1988). The CSA (2000) and the AASHTO (1994) codes consider dynamic and static loads on bridge piers located in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. The dynamic loads develop when moving ice fails against a pier during spring breakup, or when currents and wind move ice sheets past piers at other times of the year. The static loads are generated by thermal expansion or contraction of the ice and by fluctuations in the water levels.

This course is based entirely on "CHAPTER 6 Ice Force on Structures " Publication (EM 1110-2-1612) published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials. You will be quizzed on the attached document in its entirety.

Learning Objective

This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:

• Mechanical Properties of Ice;
• Wind and Water Drag Forces;
• Thermal Ice Forces;
• Crushing Failure;
• Ductile Deformation of Ice;
• Brittle Crushing;
• Bending Failure;
• Elastic Buckling;
• Creep Buckling;
• Floe Splitting;
• Structures Going through broken ice;
• Forces limited by the Momentum of an Ice Feature; and
• Vertical Ice Forces.
  

Intended Audience

Attendee of this course will have a better understanding of the properties of ice, and the forces ice can apply to various structures.

Benefit for Attendee

The methodology given in this (four-hour) course for estimating ice forces is based on the results of theoretical and experimental research in ice mechanics and measurements of ice forces in the field. Most recently, our understanding of processes active during crushing of ice at various indentation speeds has been increased. Data on measured ice forces on large structures have recently been published. Except for the recommended values of effective pressure, the Corps guidelines for ice forces on structures are almost the same as those of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO 1994), which in turn were adopted from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA 1988, 2000).

Course Introduction

The methodology given in this (four-hour) course for estimating ice forces is based on the results of theoretical and experimental research in ice mechanics and measurements of ice forces in the field. Most recently, our understanding of processes active during crushing of ice at various indentation speeds has been increased. Data on measured ice forces on large structures have recently been published. Except for the recommended values of effective pressure, the Corps guidelines for ice forces on structures are almost the same as those of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO 1994), which in turn were adopted from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA 1988, 2000).

Course Content

This course is based entirely on the CHAPTER 6 "Ice Force on Structures" Publication (EM 1110-2-1612) published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The link to the course materials is as follows:

CHAPTER 6 "Ice Force on Structures" Publication (EM 1110-2-1612)

You need to open or download above document to study this course.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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