In this paper, the finite element method has been used as the numerical modelling tool. An assumption of an elastic material and transverse inhomogeneity was included. The stress distributions over the thickness of the ice cover were produced with a finite element program. These stress distributions were compared with calculations based on the assumption of a homogenous material. In the creeping mode the calculations were based on an assumption of an inhomogeneous material. The inhomogeneity was introduced both as a variation of Young's modulus and the shear modulus. Glen's law for creep was chosen to account for creep deformations, mainly because it is a simple and well documented equation. Results from these calculations were compared with experimental data from four-point beam tests