Author(s): Tatiana E. Uvarova; Alexander T. Bekker; Egor E. Pomnikov; Roman S. Tyutrin
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Ice loads; Ice abrasion; Offshore structures; Concrete
Abstract: Operation of concrete gravity-based structures (GBS) on a shelf of arctic seas with highly dynamical drift of an ice cover is connected with certain problems. One of them is the abrasion of concrete surface of a structure due to ice cover drift. The ice abrasion causes not only "splits" and solid deterioration of the concrete on the surface of structures, but also speedup chemical and physical corrosion of the concrete and reinforcement. The similar effect is gained because of the outcrop of concrete on structure interior, and collapse of the concrete protective layer and uncovered reinforcement. In order to provide safety of GBS operation, it is necessary to determine the maximum depth of abrasion throughout the life cycle of a structure. Now there is no reasonable theory for calculation of the ice abrasion intensity, and consequently there are no requirements for concrete applied in conditions of the Arctic seas. Thus, adoption of design solutions on the ice protection units is the difficult and urgent task. The purpose of research is creation of method for calculation of ice abrasion depth for reliable and safety operation of ice resistant platforms. The application method proposed in the paper allows calculation of structure deterioration, because of abrasion wear caused by drifting ice cover along the structure around. The method for definition of ice load and the depth of abrasion is provided to predict failure of the structure caused by gradual decrease of bearing capacity of operating structure. It allows estimating both a degree of possible wear at design stage, reliability of structure and frame components for gradual break down, life time of a structure and terms of maintenance works.
Year: 2014