Compressive Strength of Floating Ice and Calculation of Ice Force on Bridge Piers during Ice Collision

摘要

In this study, ice force on bridge piers during collision was investigated. Field test was performed on the Huma River Bridge in northern China and laboratory test was performed on ice specimens to measure the ice compressive strength at various temperatures and strain rates. Test data was analyzed using the Universal Global Optimization (UGO) technique. Relations for ice compressive strength as functions of ice temperature and strain rate were obtained. The temperature distribution in a floating ice sheet was measured continuously for three days using Cu50 temperature sensors. The temperature distribution was observed to be nonlinear, with the lowest temperature in the middle and increased temperature toward the surfaces. A weighted-average temperature in the ice thickness was proposed to be used to determine the ice strength. Using ice strength determined by the obtained relations, the ice forces on the Huma River Bridge piers was calculated. Comparative analysis between calculated results and field tests was carried out. The computed ice force using the equation for Heilongjiang province with the ice strength determined by the obtained relations showed good agreement with the measured values.