Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/36593
Title: A generalized approach for modeling creep of snow foundations
Authors: O'Connor, Devin T.
Haehnel, Robert B.
Keywords: Computational Model
Cryosphere
EPOLAR
Finite element method
Foundations--Cold weather conditions
Installations
NSF
Polar Science and Engineering
Snow
Snow creep
Snow Foundation
Snow mechanics
Publisher: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Technical Report (Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)) ; no. ERDC/CRREL TR-20-4
Abstract: When an external load is applied, snow will continue to deform in time, or creep, until the load is removed. When using snow as a foundation material, one must consider the time-dependent nature of snow mechanics to understand its long-term structural performance. In this work, we develop a general approach for predicting the creep behavior of snow. This new approach spans the primary (nonlinear) to secondary (linear) creep regimes. Our method is based on a uniaxial rheological Burgers model and is ex-tended to three dimensions. We parameterize the model with density- and temperature-dependent constants that we calculate from experimental snow creep data. A finite element implementation of the multiaxial snow creep model is derived, and its inclusion in an ABAQUS user material model is discussed. We verified the user material model against our analytical snow creep model and validated our model against additional experimental data sets. The results show that the model captures the creep behavior of snow over various time scales, temperatures, densities, and external loads. By furthering our ability to more accurately predict snow foundation movement, we can help prevent unexpected failures and extend the useful lifespan of structures that are constructed on snow.
Description: Technical Report
Gov't Doc #: ERDC/CRREL TR-20-4
Rights: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/36593
http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/36593
Appears in Collections:Technical Report

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