Author(s): George Comfort; Alain Cote; Andre Taras
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Ice loads have been measured at several Canadian dams over the past two decades. It was found that the most severe ice loads were produced by a combination of ice temperature and water level changes. The field data have been used to produce empirical ice load predictors for this case (termed combined loads here). Recently, efforts have been made by some investigators to develop rationally-based algorithms to describe and quantify combined ice loads. However, these are still in their infancy, and only limited comparisons have been made with field data for combined ice loading events. This paper was aimed at furthering the development of rationally-based load algorithms for combined loads. It commenced with a detailed review of severe ice loading events recorded at the Arnprior and Barrett Chute dams, with a focus on understanding the processes. This was used to provide guidance regarding the most suitable approaches for modelling combined loads. This was followed up with exploratory calculations to evaluate the potential contributions of various processes as limits to the ice loads developed. The limiting processes considered include creep, and mechanical ice failure at the ice block interfaces produced by water level fluctuations at the dam. Reference was also made to the other modelling approaches developed to date; and the field data were used to make assessments and to provide recommendations.
Year: 2016