PUBLICATION NOTICE: Assessment of Field Methods for Measuring Mechanical Properties of Snow

The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center has published the report/note described and linked below. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Report Number:

ERDC/CRREL TR-19-17

Title:

Assessment of Field Methods for Measuring Mechanical Properties of Snow

Author(s):

Sally A. Shoop, Wendy L. Wieder, Bruce C. Elder, Samuel A. Beal, and Elias J. Deeb

Purpose/Abstract:

Winter climates present a variety of surfaces that challenge vehicle mobility. Surfaces range from soft, virgin snow, to groomed snow and ice. This study evaluated the capabilities of various testing devices to measure the mechanical properties of winter surfaces. Concurrent satellite imagery supplemented in situ physical testing. The goals were (1) to find tests that most practically evaluate these winter surfaces for vehicle mobility and (2) to determine if imagery analysis correlates with mechanical properties, thus potentially allowing remote assessment of snow physical and mechanical characteristics.

The test methods were typically useful for either virgin snow or groomed snow; no method worked well on all surfaces. Correlations between test devices were generally poor, but there were some important trends identified between (1) tests that measure the near-surface snow strength, (2) tests best suited for stronger snow, (3) the Clegg Impact Hammers and California Bearing Ratio, and (4) the optical imagery and surface drop cones. This study provides a rich dataset for assessing the current state of the art and future research needs for measurement and remote assessment of snow mechanical properties for vehicle mobility prediction.

148 pages / 37.7 MB

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

ERDC is a diverse research organization with approximately 2,000 employees operating more than $1 billion in world class facilities at seven laboratories. Its annual program exceeds $1 billion as it supports the Department of Defense and other agencies in military and civilian projects. Principal research areas include Soldier support, Engineered Resilient Systems, Environmental Quality and Installations, Geospatial Research and Engineering, Military Engineering, and Water Resources.  “Discover ▪ Develop ▪ Deliver” ERDCinfo@usace.army.mil