2D numerical simulations of ice rubble formation process against an inclined structure

This paper examines ice sheet failure and rubble pile formation process against a wide inclined structure by simulating the process with a two dimensional combined finite–discrete element method. In particular, rubble pile formation and deformation, as well as extreme ice load events are addressed. In the method used, the level ice sheet and its fracture are modeled by using a finite element scheme, while the contact forces between the colliding ice blocks are calculated by using the discrete element method. A total of 28 peak load cases are analyzed in detail and the phenomena during these peak load events are described. Peak loads are noticed to occur in the cases of ice ride-up, formation of a sail in front or away from the structure, and loading through a rubble pile. The common phenomenon in these four peak load situations was the loading of the rubble pile in a manner that a part of the pile is pushed upwards.

► A combined FEM–DEM is developed and applied to an ice mechanics problem.
► Ice sheet failure and rubble pile formation process against a structure is simulated.
► Phenomena during peak load events are described.
► Peak loads occur during ride-up, sail formation or loading through a rubble pile.
► Common to all peak events is loading of a pile so that the rubble is pushed upwards.