Reinforced ice matrix
AssigneeSuntech, Inc.
InventorWilliam L. Hill
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for preventing a surface ice sheet from cracking and failing under a load based upon the principle of counteracting lateral tension forces in the lower portion of the ice sheet. A matrix of cables is placed on the bottom surface of the ice, and the ends of the cables are anchored on the top surface of the ice. As new ice forms, the matrix becomes embedded in the ice sheet and reinforces it in tension.
Claims12
An ice matrix designed to increase the load bearing capacity of an ice sheet and comprising:
- a. an ice sheet which, upon having a load placed on its surface, forms compressive stresses in its upper half and tensile stresses in its lower half;
- and
- b. a plurality of structural members having substantially all of their lengths which extend in a substantially horizontal direction embedded in the tensile stressed lower half portion of the ice sheet in a substantially horizontal direction to reinforce the ice sheet in tension, thereby increasing the load bearing capacity of the ice sheet.
A method of increasing the load bearing capacity of an ice sheet and comprising the following steps:
- a. placing a plurality of structural members under an existing ice sheet to reinforce the tensile bearing strength of the bottom of the ice sheet;
- and
- b. allowing an additional layer of ice to form under the structural members such that the structural members are embedded in the ice sheet near its bottom to reinforce the tensile bearing strength of the ice sheet.
A method of increasing the load bearing capacity of an ice sheet and comprising the following steps:
- a. cutting trenches in the ice sheet into its tensile stressed half and almost to the bottom of the ice sheet;
- b. placing structural reinforcing members in the cut trenches;
- c. allowing the trenches to fill with water and refreeze, whereby the structural members will reinforce the ice sheet in tension in its tensile stressed half.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.