Methods of Ice Control

by G. Frankenstein, US Army Cold Regions Research &, Engineering Lab, Ice Engineering, Research Branch, Hanover, NH, USA,



Part of: Design for Ice Forces

Abstract:

Ice control is the practice of holding ice in place or directing its growth and movement. Methods of ice control in navigable waters including locks are presented. Ice carried downstream by ship traffic causes operational problems in and around the lock areas as well as in restricted channels. The paper discusses chemical, electrical, and mechanical methods of ice control. The coating applied to navigation lock walls is the major chemical ice control technique. The two major mechanical ice control techniques are the ice boom and the air curtain. An ice boom is a barrier made from floating pontoons or timbers held in place by chain or wire rope. An air screen or curtain releases large quantities of air at some depth which induces a diverging current at the surface. This surface current keeps ice and debris from passing. Icebreaking, either by vessels or air cushion vehicle, is another successful ice control technique.

Subject Headings: Ice | Ships | Air traffic control | Coating | Chemicals | Aircraft and spacecraft | Water transportation

 

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