Author(s): Joachim Schwarz
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Abstract: More than 20 years ago small scale tests on ice forces on vertical piles carried out at the Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research resulted in the so called "Iowa Formula", which predicts up to 10 times lower ice forces than most of the other formulae. Full scale measurements of ice forces on a jacket leg, carried out by the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA) in 1989/90 in China, have confirmed the low forces. Finally, a 1994-publication by Fritzpatrick draws the conclusion from full scale measurements that global ice forces today are 10 times smaller than those estimated 12 years ago. Thus bridge piers, lighthouses and offshore structures could be built at lower cost and new developments in the offshore Arctic could become feasible. However, in order to convince approval authorities to recognize these lower ice force levels, further targeted resea rch is necessary, preferably on the basis of international cooperation leading to consensus.
Year: 1994