ABSTRACT:

Three topics of relevance to the interaction of waves and sea ice are reassessed in the context of engineering, rather than being discussed in relation to geophysics or oceanography as is more common. In each case pertinent results are reported, allowing novel concepts to be considered and possibly realized, and more realistic design loads to be estimated. The gradual but un· relenting advance to new locations for offshore exploration especially-often with increased ice hazard-and the wish to extend the operating season to its full potential will demand imaginative solutions and designs from practising engineers. Waves will play an increasingly important role, and their dominance in marginal ice processes cannot be over· emphasized.

INTRODUCTION

Recent progress in the study of ocean wave propagation in ice-infested seas has markedly improved our understanding of the complex processes involved, with the result that several outstanding engineering issues can now be addressed with new impetus. For example, the maintenance of any structure within or on shore fast sea ice requires detailed information on the flexural oscillations induced in the sheet by local sea waves or waves generated directly in the sheet by the resonant action of wind; the deployment of a rig or other construction within pack ice requires information about waves in this environment as design loads will be quite different from those for open sea conditions; and finally the landing of LC130 (Hercules), C141 (Starlifter) and C5 (Galaxy) aeroplanes on sea ice runways, or the operation of D5 and D8 bulldozers and other vehicles during construction phases especially, necessitates a complete and thorough knowledge of the likely stress which will be incited in the ice, accommodating any amplification factors present. The alternative is to overdesign conservatively or to risk ice failure and fracture and the ensuing consequences.

This content is only available via PDF.
You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.