Failure of an Ice Bridge

• Main Authors: DenHartog,S. L., McFadden ,T., Crook,L.
• Other Authors: COLD REGIONS RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING LAB HANOVER N H
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1976
• Subjects: Snow; Ice and Permafrost; Surface Transportation and Equipment; Mechanics; *BEARING STRENGTH; *ICE FORMATION; *TRUCKS; *RIVERS; THICKNESS; LOAD DISTRIBUTION; LOADS(FORCES); ALASKA; DEFLECTION; CONSTRUCTION; ICE BREAKUP; Ice bridges; Truck crossings; Ice bearing capacity; Ice; Ice Sheet; permafrost; Alaska
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA030413; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA030413

In order to verify current theoretical equations on ice bearing capacity, a heavily loaded truck was used to make successive passes over two ice bridges. Equipment, weather and the normal problems associated with field work resulted in only one complete breakthrough test. Breakthrough occurred on one bridge with a vehicle weight of 53,630 lb (24,327 kg) and an ice thickness of 17.5 in. (44.5 cm). Since only one test was completed, the conclusions drawn cannot be unequivocal. However, the results do indicate that Nevel's equation for ultimate failure of a floating ice sheet is a good working tool.