Ice Loads on Sloping Structures: Influence of Parameters in Virtual Experiments

Based on numerical simulations, parameter effects on ice loads on a wide sloping structure are presented. Simulations were made with two dimensional combined finite-discrete element method and a two level factorial design was used to analyze the simulation results. Analyzed parameters were ice thickness h, ice-ice friction pi; and ice plastic limit, (the compressive strength of ice in contacts). Main interest of the study was on the ice loads when there was floating ice rubble in front of the structure. The results indicated that the mean peak force on the structure depends on different parameters during different phases of the rubble formation process. Ice thickness was seen to be affecting the forces during all of these phases. Interaction between the analyzed parameters was also noticed.