The consolidation and bond strength of rafted sea ice

► The consolidation and bond strength of rafted sea ice was investigated experimentally. ► Rafted ice had physically bonded in less than a day but the bond strength was weak. ► It took several days for the bond to reach maximum strength. ► Ice thickness, water salinity and gap size all affect consolidation time. ► The bond between rafted ice blocks is ~ 30% weaker than that of level ice.