University Of Alaska Anchorage: Ice Research May Add Up To Big Savings For A Growing Industry

Anchorage AK

17 February, 2022

4:19 PM

Description

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage: February 17, 2022 About UAA About UAA UAA is the premier university in the heart of Alaska's largest city with campuses throughout Southcentral Alaska. Where culture, innovation and adventure converge, the unique locations provide unparalleled access to industry connections, Arctic research, outdoor recreation and more, facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, groundbreaking education and impactful careers. Popular links UAA 2025: Strategic Plan Chancellor Equity, Compliance and Title IX About UAA Diversity and Inclusion Equity, Compliance and Title IX Green and Gold News Administration Chancellor Academic Affairs Administrative Services Advancement Student Affairs Campuses Kenai Peninsula Kodiak Matanuska Susitna Prince William Sound UAA 2025: Strategic Plan About UAA 2025 Putting Students First Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Community Partner Impact through Innovation Excellence Through Continuous Improvement Academics Academics UAA offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs that consistently prepare students for success after graduation. State-of-the-art classroom instruction and hands-on learning collide in UAA's innovative academic programs, which feature unique courses that train students to lead Alaska into the future. Popular links Academic Programs Advising Dates and Deadlines Academic Affairs Colleges and Schools Arts and Sciences Business and Public Policy Engineering Health Community and Technical Honors School of Education Graduate School Provost Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Business Enterprise Institute Admissions and Financial Aid Admissions and Financial Aid Learn more about admissions processes, taking classes, tour UAA in-person or virtually, and find out more about Financial Aid available at UAA. Whether you are a new or continuing student, the Office of Financial Aid is available to offer support and advice so you can make informed decisions regarding college funding options. Get help at the Enrollment Services Center: offering virtual and walk-in appointments to help students apply to UAA; get help with financial aid, scholarships, and the FAFSA. Popular links Visit and Tour Academic Programs Transfer to UAA FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Locations Enrollment Services Center Admissions How to Apply Transfer to UAA Academic Programs Visit and Tour Request more Info Contact Admissions Financial Aid FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Additional Payment Options Check your Status Student Responsibilities Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools Military and Veteran Student Services Student Accounts and Refunds Athletics Athletics From 13 competitive NCAA teams to recreation and intramural and club sports, students have the opportunity to excel in athletics at every level. The Alaska Airlines Center and Seawolf Sports Complex offer recreation as well as hosting community events and concerts. Students can take advantage of cheering for SeawolfNation with free tickets to many games. Popular links Seawolf Online Store Recreation Intramurals Locations Alaska Airlines Center Seawolf Sports Complex Go Seawolves Upcoming Seawolves Games Tickets Staff Directory Women's Sports Basketball Cross Country Gymnastics Skiing Track and Field Volleyball Men's Sports Basketball Cross Country Hockey Skiing Track and Field Research Research UAA is a hub for cutting-edge theoretical and applied research in health, engineering, and the physical and social sciences. In nearly every discipline, undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to join research teams and collaborate with experienced faculty mentors. Research at UAA Sponsored Programs Research Integrity and Compliance Graduate School Student Services Student Services Explore the wide variety of services and resources available at UAA to help promote your academic and personal success and well-being. From academic advising to student clubs and residence life, we're here to help you have an amazing university experience. Popular links Advising Bookstore Dates and Deadlines Transcripts USUAA Student Governance Library Student Health and Counseling Center Locations Student Union Enrollment Services Center Student Health and Counseling Center Current Students Advising Bookstore Registration, Dates and Deadlines Military and Veteran Student Services Degree Progress Transfer Credit Graduation Career Services Student Account (Bursar) Dean of Students Disability Support Services Student Life Engage Organizations and Clubs Activities and Programs Student Union Multicultural Student Services Recreation Residence Life Housing Options Apply for Housing Current Residents Info for Parents/Guardians Contact Residence Life Student Leadership USUAA Student Governance Student Media Concert Board Green Fee Board Club Council Emerging Leaders Program Alaska Natives Alaska Natives Located in the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina, Ahtna Dene, Alutiiq/Sugpiak, Chugachmiut and Eyak peoples, Alaska Native curriculum at UAA provides an in-depth perspective on contemporary Alaska Native societies, languages, cultures, history, politics, art, governments and corporations. Academic Programs Alaska Native Studies — Anchorage Campus Alaska Native Studies — Kenai Peninsula College Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak College Alaska Native Business Management Minor Student Support Native Student Services Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP) Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach Program (ANIROP) Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN) About UAA UAA is the premier university in the heart of Alaska's largest city with campuses throughout Southcentral Alaska. Where culture, innovation and adventure converge, the unique locations provide unparalleled access to industry connections, Arctic research, outdoor recreation and more, facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, groundbreaking education and impactful careers. Popular links UAA 2025: Strategic Plan Chancellor Equity, Compliance and Title IX About UAA Diversity and Inclusion Equity, Compliance and Title IX Green and Gold News Administration Chancellor Academic Affairs Administrative Services Advancement Student Affairs Campuses Kenai Peninsula Kodiak Matanuska Susitna Prince William Sound UAA 2025: Strategic Plan About UAA 2025 Putting Students First Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Community Partner Impact through Innovation Excellence Through Continuous Improvement UAA 2025: Strategic Plan Chancellor Equity, Compliance and Title IX Diversity and Inclusion Equity, Compliance and Title IX Green and Gold News Chancellor Academic Affairs Administrative Services Advancement Student Affairs Kenai Peninsula Kodiak Matanuska Susitna Prince William Sound About UAA 2025 Putting Students First Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Community Partner Impact through Innovation Excellence Through Continuous Improvement Academics UAA offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs that consistently prepare students for success after graduation. State-of-the-art classroom instruction and hands-on learning collide in UAA's innovative academic programs, which feature unique courses that train students to lead Alaska into the future. Popular links Academic Programs Advising Dates and Deadlines Academic Affairs Colleges and Schools Arts and Sciences Business and Public Policy Engineering Health Community and Technical Honors School of Education Graduate School Provost Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Business Enterprise Institute Academic Programs Advising Dates and Deadlines Academic Affairs Arts and Sciences Business and Public Policy Engineering Health Community and Technical Honors School of Education Graduate School Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Business Enterprise Institute Admissions and Financial Aid Learn more about admissions processes, taking classes, tour UAA in-person or virtually, and find out more about Financial Aid available at UAA. Whether you are a new or continuing student, the Office of Financial Aid is available to offer support and advice so you can make informed decisions regarding college funding options. Get help at the Enrollment Services Center: offering virtual and walk-in appointments to help students apply to UAA; get help with financial aid, scholarships, and the FAFSA. Popular links Visit and Tour Academic Programs Transfer to UAA FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Locations Enrollment Services Center Admissions How to Apply Transfer to UAA Academic Programs Visit and Tour Request more Info Contact Admissions Financial Aid FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Additional Payment Options Check your Status Student Responsibilities Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools Military and Veteran Student Services Student Accounts and Refunds Visit and Tour Academic Programs Transfer to UAA FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Enrollment Services Center How to Apply Transfer to UAA Academic Programs Visit and Tour Request more Info Contact Admissions FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Additional Payment Options Check your Status Student Responsibilities Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools Military and Veteran Student Services Student Accounts and Refunds Athletics From 13 competitive NCAA teams to recreation and intramural and club sports, students have the opportunity to excel in athletics at every level. The Alaska Airlines Center and Seawolf Sports Complex offer recreation as well as hosting community events and concerts. Students can take advantage of cheering for SeawolfNation with free tickets to many games. Popular links Seawolf Online Store Recreation Intramurals Locations Alaska Airlines Center Seawolf Sports Complex Go Seawolves Upcoming Seawolves Games Tickets Staff Directory Women's Sports Basketball Cross Country Gymnastics Skiing Track and Field Volleyball Men's Sports Basketball Cross Country Hockey Skiing Track and Field Seawolf Online Store Recreation Intramurals Alaska Airlines Center Seawolf Sports Complex Upcoming Seawolves Games Tickets Staff Directory Basketball Cross Country Gymnastics Skiing Track and Field Volleyball Basketball Cross Country Hockey Skiing Track and Field Research UAA is a hub for cutting-edge theoretical and applied research in health, engineering, and the physical and social sciences. In nearly every discipline, undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to join research teams and collaborate with experienced faculty mentors. Research at UAA Sponsored Programs Research Integrity and Compliance Graduate School Sponsored Programs Research Integrity and Compliance Graduate School Student Services Explore the wide variety of services and resources available at UAA to help promote your academic and personal success and well-being. From academic advising to student clubs and residence life, we're here to help you have an amazing university experience. Popular links Advising Bookstore Dates and Deadlines Transcripts USUAA Student Governance Library Student Health and Counseling Center Locations Student Union Enrollment Services Center Student Health and Counseling Center Current Students Advising Bookstore Registration, Dates and Deadlines Military and Veteran Student Services Degree Progress Transfer Credit Graduation Career Services Student Account (Bursar) Dean of Students Disability Support Services Student Life Engage Organizations and Clubs Activities and Programs Student Union Multicultural Student Services Recreation Residence Life Housing Options Apply for Housing Current Residents Info for Parents/Guardians Contact Residence Life Student Leadership USUAA Student Governance Student Media Concert Board Green Fee Board Club Council Emerging Leaders Program Advising Bookstore Dates and Deadlines Transcripts USUAA Student Governance Library Student Health and Counseling Center Student Union Enrollment Services Center Student Health and Counseling Center Advising Bookstore Registration, Dates and Deadlines Military and Veteran Student Services Degree Progress Transfer Credit Graduation Career Services Student Account (Bursar) Dean of Students Disability Support Services Engage Organizations and Clubs Activities and Programs Student Union Multicultural Student Services Recreation Housing Options Apply for Housing Current Residents Info for Parents/Guardians Contact Residence Life USUAA Student Governance Student Media Concert Board Green Fee Board Club Council Emerging Leaders Program Alaska Natives Located in the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina, Ahtna Dene, Alutiiq/Sugpiak, Chugachmiut and Eyak peoples, Alaska Native curriculum at UAA provides an in-depth perspective on contemporary Alaska Native societies, languages, cultures, history, politics, art, governments and corporations. Academic Programs Alaska Native Studies — Anchorage Campus Alaska Native Studies — Kenai Peninsula College Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak College Alaska Native Business Management Minor Student Support Native Student Services Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP) Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach Program (ANIROP) Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN) Alaska Native Studies — Anchorage Campus Alaska Native Studies — Kenai Peninsula College Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak College Alaska Native Business Management Minor Native Student Services Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP) Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach Program (ANIROP) Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN) View the slideshow on SmugMug.(All photos by James Evans, Chief of Photography and Videography, University of Alaska Anchorage) Anchorage's Ted Stevens International Airport is one of the top five busiest cargo airports in the world. Could the Port of Alaska in Anchorage become similar for seaports? It's possible, as navigating through the Northwest Passage — an Arctic sea route through Alaska and Canada — looks increasingly practical due to melting ice caused by climate change. Anticipating this increase in northern shipping, UAA professor of structural engineering Scott Hamel, P.E., Ph.D., began researching the determination of ice crushing forces on vertical piles with tidal-accreted ice, which was one of seven UAA research projects selected for the 2020 ConocoPhillips Arctic Science and Engineering Endowment Awards. Dr. Hamel's research is focused on how accreted ice — ice buildup between piles of seaports and oil platforms — can act as a wall, greatly increasing the force from incoming floating ice. "If we know the accreted ice is weaker than the ice floe, the accreted ice will break off and we can reduce the pile size because the pile will 'look' smaller to the incoming surface ice," said Jasmine Langmann, a UAA civil engineering alumna working under Dr. Hamel for her master's thesis. "Generally you overdesign because you want a factor of safety. But if we're significantly overdesigning things — we can build bridges so perfect they're never going to fail, but it's going to be so exponentially expensive and there's always a budget." To compare the shear strength of accreted ice versus the compressive strength of ice floes, Langmann runs 8-inch cylindrical cores of accreted ice through compression tests and sheared rectangular ice beams. She compares this to the strength of floating sea ice from previous research. Samples were drilled from the Port of Alaska. Variables taken into account in the calculations include the amount of sediment in the ice, its elevation on the pile and its exposure to the sun. In the future, it's possible that accreted ice may be counted on to break away, allowing the floating ice to pass between the piles. Currently, piles are designed to withstand 300 psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure acting over the entire accreted width, up to 10 feet. This could be reduced to just the width of the pile. That overdesign represents millions of dollars more effectively spent elsewhere. For now, Langmann's findings for Dr. Hamel's research could prove to be foundational. As interest piques and work begins on utilizing Arctic sea routes — such as ongoing expansions to the Port of Alaska — research on accreted ice is just warming up. "It's really important to continue to better understand the world around us and how it's changing," said Langmann. "Right now there's not a ton of information on accreted ice, so it's kind of cool thinking that somebody might reference my thesis in their search for knowledge." This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author's own.