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Luleå University of Technology
Research Report / 2002:13
TITLE
Strength and deformation behaviour of snow and snow structures: field and laboratory measurements at Icehotel Jukkasjärvi, Winter 2000 - 2001

AUTHOR
Vikström, Lars

DATE
2002-09-12

DEPARTMENT
Civil and Mining Engineering / Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering

SUMMARY
Density measurements, unconfined compression tests, creep tests, beam tests, and measurements of deformations were performed on snow and snow structures that formed the Icehotel during the winter 2000/2001.

Results from the unconfined compression tests and creep tests showed that:

  • At –5ºC unconfined compression strength was 0,598 MPa with a snow density of 532 kg/m3. Axial viscosity was 3,23·106 MPa-s and compactive viscosity was 5,24·106 MPa-s with a snow density of 524 kg/m3.

  • At –10ºC unconfined compression strength was 0,681 MPa with a snow density of 558 kg/m3. Axial viscosity was 1,92·106 MPa-s and compactive viscosity was 1,38·106 MPa-s with a snow density of 518 kg/m3.

  • At –11ºC unconfined compression strength was 0,879 MPa with a snow density of 550 kg/m3. Axial viscosity was 2,16·106 MPa-s and compactive viscosity was 2,79·106 MPa-s with a snow density of 470 kg/m3.

Beam tests were performed on snow from a pile of artificially made snow. This type of snow was used to construct the arcs of the Icehotel. Results from the beam tests showed that the snow had a mean density of 510 kg/m3 and that Young’s modulus E had a mean value of 335 MPa. At failure mean value of maximum tensile- and compression stress was 0,375 MPa and mean value of maximum shear stress was 0,039 MPa.

During the winter 2000/2001 deformations of the church building were measured. Results show that the apex of the arcs actually rose 4 to 8 cm, though the shape of the arcs changed very little.

Comparing results from this investigation with results from earlier investigations made on snow with similar densities showed that:

  • Unconfined compression strength was 20 to 40 percent lower.
  • Axial viscosity was similar in all but one test at –10/-11 ºC.
  • Axial viscosity was in all tests higher at –5 ºC.
  • Compactive viscosity was higher in all tests.
  • Results from the beam tests regarding Young’s modulus values and tensile strength showed similar results.

ISSN 1402-1528 / ISRN LTU-FR--02/13--SE / NR 2002:13

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