It is generally called surface pressure or surface loading.
PSI for example is pounds per square inch. If you want to increase surface loading you’ve got to either add pounds or reduce square inches. The chains reduce square inches drastically. On a hard surface like pavement itms enough to damage the pavement. On ice it is effective because it can break the surface layer and sink in a bit.
On the other side of things, compact track loaders are generaly preferred now over skid steers with ‘regular tires’ because they spread the same number of lbs over a much larger surface area, reducing damage to the surface they drive over, and also being much less likely to ‘sink in’ (and get stuck).
Semi trucks generally dont hydroplane because they have a huge surface loading of their contact patch compared to regular cars. Sporty cars with low weight and wide tires hydroplane very easily because their surface loading is low. It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
