A creep model for high-density snow

Abstract

Abstract : This effort modifies Mellor and Smiths creep model for dense snow to conform to the more general creep power law form (Glens creep law for ice is a special case of this power law). The present study used this general form as the basis for developing two creep models: one to describe the primary creep and another that models secondary creep response as a function of applied stress, snow density, and temperature. Available laboratory data helped to determine the parameters for these models. These models were recast into a form compatible with the ABAQUS finite element software to allow simulation of settlement of a snow foundation subjected to a long-term load. The secondary creep model was validated against the observed settlement of a spread foundation on snow at Camp Century, Greenland. Though there were not suitable field data to validate the primary creep model, comparison of that model to results obtained for the secondary creep model demonstrate that the primary creep model behaved as expected. Additional work is necessary to merge the primary and secondary creep models and to further validate the primary creep response of the model presented here.