Simple Method for Estimating Snow Strength Using CPT Sleeve Friction Data
Publication: Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 32, Issue 4
Abstract
The in situ strength of polar snow is not easily measured; most assessments rely on indices derived from snow density and/or are limited in depth. To overcome these deficiencies, modified cone penetration testing (CPT) equipment is used to obtain rate-variable tip-resistance and sleeve-friction data in Antarctic firn to depths of 10 m. A physical model of snow deformation ahead of the penetrating cone is considered to allow generation of a continuous profile of snow strength. Dynamic profiling of strength to depth in polar snow is possible using the cone penetration test. However, more in situ strength data are needed to comprehensively validate the simple method presented herein.
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Acknowledgments
This work was only possible through the support of Lankelma and Gardline Geosciences UK and the British Antarctic Survey. Financial support was received from the Menzies Foundation, Australia. Assistance with the manuscript was received from Professor Elizabeth Morris, Scott Polar Research Institute, UK and from Dr. Martin Schneebeli, WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF. The authors also thank the reviewers for their assistance in enhancing this manuscript.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 32 • Issue 4 • December 2018
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 17, 2017
Accepted: Jul 6, 2018
Published online: Sep 17, 2018
Published in print: Dec 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Feb 17, 2019
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