Author(s): J. Schwarz
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The prediction of ice forces on vertical coastal and offshore structures has been subject to research for more than 25 years. The forces resulting by the various methods scatter however by a factor up to 15. Low ice forces have been predicted by small scale tests and have been verified by some full scale measurements. Nevertheless, they have not gained acceptance from industry and govenunental authorities, because the majority of researchers have predicted much higher ice forces. Recent findings in Canada by full scale tests indicate, however that the ice forces on vertical structures are indeed 10 times smaller than they have been used in the design of structures in recent years. This means, that structures like bridge piers, coastal protection and offshore structures are most likely significantly overdesigned. In order to save multimillion Dollars in future marine constructions several research groups (Universities, research establishments and industrial enterprises) from Great Britain, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Germany in cooperation with scientists from USA, Canada and Russia are carrying out a research project with the objective to validate low ice forces on vertical marine structures by full scale measurements and numerical modelling. The paper describes the research program, and how the results will be used to establish recommendations of design ice loads on vertical structures. The project is sponsored by the European Union as well as by several multinational oil companies.
Year: 1998