Finite element analysis of the visco-elastic behavior of a spray ice island

This thesis presents a finite element analysis of the viscoelastic (creep) behavior of a spray ice island under its own self-weight and three levels of lateral loads. Spray ice and its use as a construction material are described in the context of other natural ice forms and the ice environment of the Beaufort Sea. The analytical results indicated that creep settlement in the absence of volumetric contraction was nominal over the course of a simulated 21-day construction period and a 79-day service life. The effects of the applied lateral loads were very localized and did not result in any appreciable deformations in the central working area of the structure. Some evidence of shear plane development and upward passive failure of the island perimeter was observed.