Feasibility of using continuous, stiff materials for reinforcing freshwater ice covers

Abstract

Winter roads are economical and effective means of providing reliable transportation links to remote regions. Operators establishing ice crossings over rivers and lakes have been facing increased pressure to deliver higher volumes of goods, larger loads, in challenging climatic conditions. A question arose from industry: “is there a way to safely provide additional bearing capacity in ice covers and assist with extending operating seasons, possibly through reinforcing the ice?” This study investigated this operational challenge by developing a model to simulate ice reinforcement theories using ANSYS computer modeling techniques. ANSYS 18.0 was utilized to successfully model reinforced ice covers and estimate the ice deflection under a centrally concentrated load. ANSYS computer models allow us to learn complex behaviours of materials and provide a more accurate estimation of deflection compared to the analytical method, which provides a closed-form solution to a given problem. The results show that the reinforcing material is able to stiffen the ice cover which enables a larger surface area to carry the load; a higher percentage of the reinforcement by volume further reduces ice deflection. The test results also indicate that the reinforcing material must be considerably stiffer than the ice so that the load can be more efficiently transferred from the ice to the reinforcing material. The results highlight a successful modelling of reinforced ice covers and discuss the feasibility of installing the reinforcing material, through an example using wood as a possible reinforcing material because it is readily available on site and meets a number of pre-determined criteria. While the creation of an ice reinforcement modeling tool was a success, further research is needed to verify the feasibility of using a variety of materials as reinforcement to increase the safe bearing capacity of ice covers as well as evaluate different applications and orientations of the reinforcement to achieve the best outcome. All of this bearing in mind that the reinforcement must be able to be safely installed in situ within the ice cover. Moreover, a collection of actual ice deflections in the field is recommended to further assist in calibrating the ANSYS model. The simulations serve as an initial step in evaluating different reinforcement materials and methodologies. Subsequent research will need to evaluate the modelling in controlled, full-scale field applications prior to providing a tested solution for commercial use.