Item: The Propagation Saw Test (PST): A Review of its Development, Applications, and Recent Research
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Title: The Propagation Saw Test (PST): A Review of its Development, Applications, and Recent Research
Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska
Authors:
- Dave Gauthier [ Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada ]
- Bruce Jamieson [ Department of Civil Engin eering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada ]
Date: 2012
Abstract: The Propagation Saw Test (PST) method was developed independently in Switzerland and in Canada in 2005 and 2006. It was inspired partly by observations of fracture propagation in earlier cantilever beam tests, and was partly based on notched-specimen tests that are common in fracture mechanics research. The PST has been used - in various modified forms - for investigation and verification of both shear-fracture and weak layer collapse failure models, for spatial variability studies, and for real-world avalanche forecasting and instability assessment. Many PST research and development studies have been conducted over the last several years, and recently there has been some debate regarding the best methodology and interpretation or application of test results. For these reasons, and given the recent or forthcoming adoption and standardization of the PST method by a number of international avalanche associations, we feel that researchers and practitioners could benefit from a comprehensive review of the development of the PST, its applications, and recent research which makes use of it. In this paper, we briefly review peer-reviewed articles, conference papers and presentations, and academic theses related to: the general test configuration and its relationship to fracture mechanics; the results of field experiments designed to test the influence of column size, cut direction, and slope angle on the test method; observations of ‘critical’ cut lengths, independent of column size in standard and non-standard test geometries; the empirical relationship between snowpack parameters and PST results; the basis for the original and modified test dimensions and methods; the verification of the method and validation of its application to the initiation and propagation of fracture; its applications to other research problems, such as fracture mechanics and spatial variability.
Object ID: issw-2012-1047-1053.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): unknown
Keywords: fracture propagation, snow stability tests, avalanche safety
Page Number(s): 1047-1053
Subjects: propagation saw test field tests
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