Model tests to determine ice loads on marine engineering structures

Abstract

Object and purpose of research. This paper discusses ice model tests intended to determine ice load on marine engineering structures. The purpose of the study is to identify peculiarities and challenges of these tests. Materials and methods. The study is based on procedures, techniques and results of model tests performed by various ice basins around the world to study ice load on marine engineering structures. This paper compares the results obtained by different ice basins to identify difficult matters. Main results. This paper discusses the specifics of model tests performed in ice basins to study ice effect upon marine engineering structures. It formulates a number of challenges that have to be solved to improve the quality of experiment, as well as suggests possible ways to do so. It also gives a review of the most interesting model tests dealing with determination of ice loads on fixed and moored marine platforms. Conclusion. In the nearest future, fundamental studies on ice interaction with engineering structures should become much more important because this is the only way to ensure development of adequate mathematical models for the complex process of structure-ice interaction. The progress in Arctic developments will only become possible if all the approaches to these studies (model tests, full-scale trials and numerical simulations) are used to the full and in a synergistic and complementary manner.

Keywords

• model test
• ice basin
• global ice load
• ice-resistant marine structures
• fixed structure
• moored structure