Experimental analysis of the effect of an ice cover on the propagation of a dam break wave

Lengthy winter conditions such as those known in the province of Quebec require that one takes the presence of an ice cover into account in the determination of instantaneous safety factors for dams established in cascade and under the effect of a break wave. Not only should the ice load on the structure be considered but also the effects of the pressure wave that is propagated under the ice cover. This study shows that the method currently used to determine the stability of structures subject to a break wave is incomplete. The results obtained in laboratory indeed indicate that the presence of the ice cover increases the sur-elevation and sur-pressure values of both components of the break wave. This might perturb the stabilizing force balance of the downstream dam and increases its risk of failure.