Author(s): Kenneth Eik; Vegard Aksnes
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: For moored structures operating in ice covered waters, it is likely that the highest mooring loads are caused by sea ice rather than waves, winds or currents. This paper investigates the variability in ice loads based on recordings from physical ice tank model tests in a continuous level ice sheet. The normalised peak mooring loads (ratio between peaks in the load signal and the mean load) are found to be well represented by 3-parameter Weibull distributions. The distributions will however vary significantly as a function of ice drift speed and mooring specifications (stiffness). The load variability is reduced when the ice drift speed is increased. Further, it is discussed how information regarding the load variability may be incorporated in both operational considerations as well as in the design process of a structure.
Year: 2010