ASCE at UAF

Ice Arch 2008 October 30, 2009

2008 Ice Arch

The 2008 Ice Arch was two catenary arches that intersected at the top.  It was 20’-6” tall and 20’ wide at the base.  The method to construct it was based on the principle that the arch could be self-supporting if a basic shape was provided.  Following that idea, a form work was constructed and cloth was laid in the shape of the legs.  Water was then sprayed on the cloth in thin layers to form the arches.  The arch stood for three weeks before falling prematurely due to increased creep rate of warm ice.