Item: Fracture Energy of Weak Snowpack Layers
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Title: Fracture Energy of Weak Snowpack Layers
Proceedings: 2010 International Snow Science Workshop
Authors:
- Jürg Schweizer [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF ]
- Alec van Herwijnen [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF ]
- Benjamin Reuter [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF ]
Date: 2010
Abstract: Recent experimental and theoretical work has provided new insight into weak layer fracture in view of dry-snow slab avalanche release. The two main parameters which influence this process are slab stiffness (i.e. elastic modulus) and weak layer fracture energy. These parameters are therefore of importance for avalanche forecasting. So far, only few values of specific fracture energy exist, mainly because the stiffness of the slab cannot easily be determined. We performed about 150 propagation saw tests to calculate weak layer fracture energy. To estimate the stiffness of the slab that is required for the calculation, we applied two methods: (1) in-situ penetration resistance measurements, and (2) video imaging of the fracture process. Both methods provided values of the average slab modulus on the order of a few MPa. The resulting weak layer fracture energies ranged between 0.28 and 2.2 J m-2 – considerably higher than previously published values. Many more measurements are needed for a comprehensive dataset of weak layer fracture energy.
Object ID: ISSW_P-079.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: snowpack layers, fracture, dry snow
Page Number(s): 720-723
Subjects: fracture energy weak snowpack layers slab avalanches
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