A comparison of pressuremeter test results in sea ice

• Published in: Canadian Geotechnical Journal
• Main Authors: Steel, A., Clark, J.I., Morin, P.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1994
• Subjects: Civil and Structural Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/t94-030; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/t94-030

The results of short-term pressuremeter tests from three different sea ice environments are presented. These results are used to derive mechanical properties of the ice, to compare the ice types, and to evaluate the Texam pressuremeter as an instrument for the field assessment of ice sheets and ice packs. The results are also compared with those existing in the literature. It was found that the strength of the sea ice was affected most significantly by temperature, but also by salinity and to a lesser extent by confining pressure and ice structure. The Texam pressuremeter operated well in the given field environment and will prove to be a valuable piece of equipment for determining the characteristics of these important ice formations. Key words : pressuremeter, sea ice, short-term tests, strength, salinity, confining pressure, temperature.