| Abstract | A series of physical model tests was carried out for the purpose of defining design ice loads and determining the dynamic response due to ice loading of the Great Belt West Bridge in Denmark. The test methods and key results of the experimental program are described in a companion paper by Timco et al. (1995). The present paper presents an analysis of results with special emphasis on the effect of ice velocity, ice attack angle, and structural properties on the ice loads and the structural response. The results showed that in a critical velocity range, the ice failure process locked onto the eigenfrequency of the structure, and the maximum dimensionless contact pressure more than doubled relative to similar rigid tests. Average pressures were not affected, but violent oscillations of the structure substantially increased the peak loads. Sensitivity tests were carried out to clarify the effect of several parameters such as ice strength, structural eigenfrequency, system damping, coefficient of friction and the number of degrees of freedom of motion. |
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