Ice Ridging Forces, Ice Rubble, and Other Neglected Topics in Ice-Structure Interaction

Ice ridging and rubbling is commonly seen in nature and is also observed against wide man-made structures. The topic is important for a range of ice problems, including; ice circulation models; “limit-force” ice loads; ice loads on wide structures; and in understanding pressured ice; which in turn affects ship transits and loads on floaters in managed ice. This paper reflects on past work leading to the current algorithm for ridge building in ISO 19906 which was derived by the author. Recent work using the mechanics for ice loads on sloping structures applied to ridging is reported, results are given and recommendations made. It is emphasized that this paper is focused solely on the forces involved in rubble and ridge building not with the forces due to ridges and rubble on either platforms or subsea facilities.