Trenching and Slotting in Floating Ice Covers

Shallow ice trenching and slotting comprise a branch of ice engineering associated with solving challenges stemming from sea, river, and lake ice in cold regions. Ice trenching and slotting are required for the tide crack stabilization of annual sea ice, the prevention of river ice jam formation, the recovery of the oil spilled under ice covers, the repairing of underwater pipelines in Arctic and subarctic zones, and other specific tasks in ice-covered waters. This chapter introduces the different types of equipment and methods that are used for trenching and slotting: milling trenchers, chainsaws and chain trenchers, circular disc trenchers, and hot water and steam cutters. Several alternative options of ice trenching and slotting are discussed at the end of this chapter.