Static ice load for wide cap of sea-crossing bridge

In order to effectively assess the load effect of the wide cap for sea-crossing bridge at cold region, the three-dimensional finite element models of the ice, cap and water were established based on explicit collision non-linear analysis. Ice was simulated as flexible and brittle damage material. Some finite element models were analyzed considering the difference of ice speed, width of cap, ice thickness and ice strength etc. The effects of failure situation of ice blocks and relationship between ice impact force and time caused by different parameters were researched. Compute results is analyzed with nonlinear regression method, a ice load model about sea-crossing bridge in cold regions is set up. Model established in this paper is compared with other some codes at world, Results show that load computed by model established in this paper is closer to that computed by Japan and American code. The model established in this paper can be referenced for the design of ice load of wide cap of sea-crossing bridges in cold regions.