Bulk Adhesion of Ice to Concrete: Review of Test Programs

Abstract

Damage of concrete in a marine environment by ice can result in significant degradation of a structure, leading to increased maintenance costs, decreased structural resistance, and decreased operational lifetime. There are a number of approaches to reduce or impede these impacts, such as the choice of concrete used, selection of the structural shape, and coatings to inhibit abrasion. In order to inform these approaches, it is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to abrasion, so that appropriate design considerations may be made. Degradation of concrete through the frictional effects of ice is a key component of mechanical abrasion. Adhesion in turn is one of the key components of static friction. This paper examines the state of knowledge of the adhesive effects of large-scale (bulk) ice on concrete and presents the challenges in comparing results across test programs due to the lack of standard test procedures. Research directions are proposed, both to reduce challenges in cross-comparison of research results and to further advance our understanding of the contact mechanics at play in adhesion of ice to concrete and its effect on damage.