SNOW PRESSURE ON RIGID OBSTACLES

A continuum mechanical formulation of snow pressure is given. The snow pressure against retaining structures on slopes is considered in two separate parts: (1) the static component due to the regression of transverse expansion as discussed by Haefeli, and (2) the dynamic component due to the interruption of the creep (internal deformation) and glide (slip of the entire snow cover over the ground). Snow-pressure calculations made using the nonlinear viscous constitutive equations given by D.M. McClung are given for the plane strain-rate problem of a rigid barrier on a snow-covered slope. These calculations are compared with the previous formulation of snow pressure given by Haefeli for the expected range of boundary conditions for the structure and for the snow-earth interface. The results show that the original formulation by Haefeli gives a dynamic component of similar magnitude to the present calculations. Substantial differences are apparent when the up-slope distances for interruption of the creep and glide processes are compared.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00781193
• Corporate Authors:

  Norwegian Geotechnical Institute

  P.O. Box 40 Tasen
  Oslo 8,   Norway 
• Authors:
  • McClung, D
• Publication Date: 1977

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 9 p.
• Serial:
  • Norwegian Geotechnical Institute Publication
  • Issue Number: 116
  • Publisher: Norwegian Geotechnical Institute
  • ISSN: 0078-1193

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Avalanches; Finite element method; Instruments for measuring loads or pressure; Mathematical methods; Measurement; Pressure; Slope stability; Slopes; Snow; Snowfall; Soil stabilization
• Old TRIS Terms: Pressure measurement; Snow and snowfall
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167535
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 27 1977 12:00AM