Development of an Ice Excavation Machine.
A review of operational requirements indicates a continuing need for equipment to excavate ice to facilitate polar construction. A 30-hp ladder-type trencher was selected and purchased for its low ground pressure and versatility. The chain was outfitted with specially designed conical ice teeth, and...
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Format: | Text |
Language: | English |
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1975
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Online Access: | http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA018956 http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA018956 |
Summary: | A review of operational requirements indicates a continuing need for equipment to excavate ice to facilitate polar construction. A 30-hp ladder-type trencher was selected and purchased for its low ground pressure and versatility. The chain was outfitted with specially designed conical ice teeth, and a rotating ice chipper drum was designed and fabricated for the backhoe arm. Both modifications were tested in a laboratory situation for performance and suitability for field operation. A similar, but larger machine with identical teeth, procured under a separate task, was observed during and extended Antarctic ice-trenching operation. Laboratory tests and field observations showed that the ice excavation machine was easy to operate and provided maintenance-free performance during all of its trials. |
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