Prediction of ice accumulation on bridge cables during freezing rain: A theoretical modeling and experimental study: Fid-Bau Portal

Prediction of ice accumulation on bridge cables during freezing rain: A theoretical modeling and experimental study

Abdelaal, Ahmed / Nims, Douglas / Jones, Kathleen / Sojoudi, Hossein

Abstract Accreted ice falling from bridge cables is a hazard to vehicles crossing the bridge. The falling ice can startle drivers, cause accidents, and break windshields. Therefore, predicting ice accretion on bridge cables is vital in determining the severity of the event and making decisions concerning bridge or lane closure. In this study, a simple ice accumulation model for freezing rain on bridge cables was developed that accounts for the cable inclination and determines the accretion orientation and shape. Indoor experiments in an icing wind tunnel were conducted on stainless steel cylindrical specimen with various inclinations. It was found that the inclination of the cables affected the ice thickness and prevalence of icicles. The model was evaluated by two icing events on the Veterans' Glass City Skyway Bridge in Toledo, Ohio. The modeled ice results were consistent with the observations. The model can be a valuable tool for ice accumulation prediction on bridge cables using forecasted weather data.

Highlights • Simple freezing rain accretion model was developed for bridge cables. • Ice accretion profile and location were determined by simple cosine law assumption. • The cosine law assumption results were consistent with the indoor icing experiments. • The drops impact speed affected the ice thickness on the cylindrical cables. • The model results using real event data matched the field observations.