Example data table
These sample cases show typical outputs. Values are illustrative only.
| Case | Type | Thickness | Geometry | Length / Area | Estimated load | Distributed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Cylinder | 25 mm | 200 mm diameter | 6 m | ~1.21 kN | ~0.20 kN/m |
| B | Flat surface | 15 mm | 1.2 m × 3.0 m | 3.6 m² | ~0.49 kN | ~0.14 kPa |
| C | Roof/deck | 20 mm | Uniform field | 120 m² | ~21.6 kN | ~0.18 kPa |
Formula used
- Veff = V · c, where c is the coverage factor (0–1).
- m = ρ · Veff, where ρ is ice density (kg/m³).
- W = m · g · γ, where g = 9.80665 m/s² and γ is the design factor.
- Line load: w = W / L for cylindrical members.
- Surface pressure: p = W / A for flat or roof cases.
How to use this calculator
- Select a unit system that matches your drawings.
- Choose the surface type: cylinder, flat surface, or roof area.
- Enter the ice thickness and the required geometry fields.
- Adjust density, coverage, and the design factor if needed.
- Click Calculate Ice Load to display results above.
- Use CSV or PDF buttons to export the result table.
Ice load context in structural design
Ice accumulation adds dead load and can change wind drag on exposed components. For members such as handrails, trusses, masts, and pipe racks, a thin ice sleeve may create a meaningful line load that stacks with self‑weight. This calculator converts thickness and geometry into mass and weight using density, coverage, and a design factor, giving a consistent basis for checks and documentation.
Density selection and material variability
Ice density varies with formation. Clear or glaze ice is commonly near 917 kg/m³, while rime can be much lighter due to trapped air. Selecting an appropriate density directly scales the computed load because mass equals density times volume. If site data exists, the custom density option helps match observed conditions and reduces conservative stacking across multiple load cases.
Geometry choices and load outputs
The cylindrical option models an annular sleeve around a core diameter, which is typical for cables, poles, and circular pipes. The flat surface and roof/deck options assume uniform thickness over an area. Besides total load, the tool reports line load for cylinders and surface pressure for areas. These distributed values support quick checks for bending, connections, and local bearing.
Coverage and design factor considerations
Coverage accounts for partial icing caused by sheltering, sun exposure, drainage, or wind scouring. A coverage of 0.60 means only sixty percent of the idealized volume is active. The design factor multiplies the weight to reflect project requirements, uncertainty, or load combinations. Keeping these inputs explicit improves transparency when sharing calculations with reviewers or clients.
Verification and practical workflow
Start with measurable values: thickness from inspection reports, diameters from drawings, and lengths from schedules. Run several scenarios to bracket risk, such as 10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm thickness. Compare the resulting line loads to member capacity and connection detailing, then export CSV or PDF for project records. Include photos, temperatures, and exposure notes to support assumptions. Always align final assumptions with applicable local standards.
FAQs
1) What does the calculator output represent?
It reports estimated ice weight for the selected geometry, plus line load for cylinders or pressure for areas. The result includes the chosen density, coverage factor, and design factor, which are shown for traceability.
2) When should I use coverage less than 1.0?
Use it when icing is uneven or only one face is exposed. For sheltered elements, partial contact, or melt patterns, coverage helps reflect effective ice volume without changing geometric dimensions.
3) Is the design factor the same as a code load factor?
It can be used similarly, but it is intentionally generic. Set it to match your project’s load combination approach or internal safety margin. Document the selected value with your calculation notes.
4) Why does density matter so much?
Mass is proportional to density, so a switch from 600 to 917 kg/m³ increases weight by about 53%. Choose rime, clear, sea, or custom density based on climate, exposure, and observations.
5) Can I use this for tapered or complex shapes?
Yes, as an approximation. Break the element into segments with representative diameters or areas, compute each segment, and sum the loads. This approach is often adequate for preliminary checks.
6) Do I need to include wind or impact effects here?
No. This tool focuses on gravity load from ice mass. If icing changes wind area or dynamic response, evaluate wind/ice combinations separately using the governing standard and project criteria.