LAUSR

Abstract An attempt has been made to predict the ice rubble field load on Norstromsgrund lighthouse by using Cohesive Element (CE) formulation. Two sub-load events were selected to validate the numerical and material model used in simulation of interaction of the ice rubble field and lighthouse. A literature review of simulation of rubble field structure interaction methods is also included in order to illustrate the knowledge gaps and highlight shortcomings of existing techniques. A description of chosen ice rubble field load events and signal post processing is added. A linear Mohr-Coulomb material model was used for the bulk element. For the cohesive element formulation, a material model was chosen which is based on three irreversible mixed-mode interaction with an arbitrary normalized traction-separation law governed by a load curve. The elastic modulus and fracture toughness for the ice rubble field were scaled using the ice rubble field porosity. A parametric study was conducted, and effects were documented. The numerical model predicted similar values for maximum total force, but average and standard deviation values of total force were higher than measured. The observed load drops in measured force time histories were reproduced with reasonable accuracy in simulated force time histories.