Solving Problems of Ice-Blocked Drainage Facilities.
Abstract
Winter ice formation in culverts, ditches, subsurface drains, and other drainage facilities poses problems for maintenance personnel who must keep these facilities open to carry flow. The report summarizes several processes for ice formation and blockage in culverts, dithces, and subsurface drains. Solutions to ice blockage problems involve ice prevention and ice control, usually the latter. In some cases, culverts can be closed, leading to intentional ponding and storage of ice. Alternatively, flow can be maintained in culverts by heating them electrically, with steam, or with oil-burner heaters. Ditches can also be heated, but it is usually more effective to widen them to provide more storage space for ice, or to install insulating covers. Subsurface drain outlets can be heated, protected with insulating covers or partially blocked to prevent cold air entry. Ground seepage that forms ice is successfully controlled using ice fences. Design changes, such as more and larger drainage structures, staggered culverts, and channel modifications, are discussed. Four CRREL publications are cited as sources of additional information.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA044994
Entities
People
- Kevin L. Carey
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory