Author(s): R. Gerard

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Abstract: Two trends are apparent in the design for ice loads on bridge piers: an increasing use of a prescribed effective pressure, irrespective of the mode of failure of the ice floe, and a gradual reduction in the magnitude of this prescribed pressure. The contention is made that neglecting the failure mode, both in the analysis of ice load measurements and in the design for ice loads, can be misleading and should be discontinued. It is also suggested that, for crushing failures, the 2.8 MPa effective ice pressure prescribed in past North American bridge design codes may not be as conservative as is commonly thought. The significance of the various modes of failure of ice floes against bridge piers - crushing, bending, impact and splitting - is discussed and demonstrated using a simple analysis and selected results of field measurements of ice loads. Typical values for the effective stresses generated by bending and impact failures are given. The important question of dynamic ice-pier interaction is discussed briefly. It is concluded that there is much to be learned about even the most basic aspects of ice loads on bridge piers, and that it would be prudent to remain conservative in the design for ice loads until more of this learning has been accomplished.

DOI:

Year: 1978