Review of Ice Load Standards and Comparison With Measurements

Abstract

Sea ice can interact with offshore structures in regions with at least seasonal ice coverage. Therefore the prediction of ice loads on offshore structures is required by many standards or classification rules and guidelines. In order to do this, empirical formulas are often prescribed. These are based on assumptions in combination with model or full scale tests. Yet there are very few publications where the results of the formulas are actually compared to measurements. A case study is made for ice loads on the Norströmsgrund lighthouse. First of all current empirical formulas given by standards bodies or classification societies are reviewed with focus on applicability. Secondly, the ice loads predicted by the empirical formulas are compared to measurements. It was found that for the given case most methods significantly overestimate the load. The applicability of some methods is disputable.