Pressure distributions and force chains during simulated ice rubbling against sloped structures

Vertical pressure distributions on a wide sloping structure during simulated ice rubbling processes have been investigated. The simulations were done with a two-dimensional combined finite-discrete element method. The results indicated that pressures during peak load events were local and mainly located at the waterline, even when a loose rubble pile was present. The force from the pushing ice sheet was transmitted to the structure through a loose rubble pile with highly loaded ice blocks forming chain-like groups, referred as force chains. Major load drops on the structure were caused by the buckling of these force chains. To be able to predict the forces on a sloping structure with a loose rubble pile in front of it, these force chains and their buckling behavior should be understood. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.