Static and cyclic load tests of a composite ice-resisting wall

A new type of ice-resisting composite wall has recently been developed for use on offshore structures which are subjected to high ice pressure loads. The wall consists of outer and inner steel plates, fastened together with steel web plates, with high-strength concrete placed in between. No other connectors are provided between the concrete and steel, which simplifies the manufacture of the structure. The composite wall requires steel plates with only moderate thicknesses, which can be welded without difficulty. In this research, four specimens were tested in order to study the cyclic load behaviour of this type of wall. The results of this work compliment previous work, conducted in Canada, which considered the static and cyclic load response of composite walls of this type. The VTT cyclic loading tests consisted of 2000 cycles of load, which exceeded the cracking load and went as high as 87 % of the ultimate capacity of the specimens. The load cycling, even at this high load level, did not seem to decrease the static load capacity of the specimens. Comparison between experimental and calculated results, generally showed good correlation, however further development is desirable to increase mathematical modelling capabilities. Additional work is also required to consider items such as: continuous beam and plate structures; various load distributions impact loads; and, behaviour at low temperatures.