Combining Specific Heat of Concrete and Actuator Placement Optimization for Self-Powered Ice-Melting Precast Concrete Bridge Panels

Pavement deicing represents a substantial cost to every municipality and a danger to motorists. These dangers are more significant on bridge decks due to the lack of ground insulation and the fact that concrete, commonly used on bridge decks, is a poor insulator which results in a readily freezing road surface. The relatively high specific heat of concrete also means that a substantial amount of energy is required to maintain a temperature above freezing. These factors are the main contributors to why heated concrete pavements are not feasible. The objectives of this exploratory project are to (1) interrogate the specific heat of concrete formulations incorporating alternative admixtures and aggregates, (2) model the thermal transfer properties of the various materials, and (3) compare the experimental and modeled thermal properties to determine the optimum combination of constituents.

    Language

    • English

    Project

    • Status: Active
    • Sponsor Organizations:

      University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

      Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
      Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory
      Urbana, IL  United States  61801-2352

      Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

      University Transportation Centers Program
      Department of Transportation
      Washington, DC  United States  20590
    • Performing Organizations:

      University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

      Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
      Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory
      Urbana, IL  United States  61801-2352
    • Principal Investigators:

      Sychterz, Ann

      Henschen, Jacob

    • Start Date: 20250101
    • Expected Completion Date: 20250630
    • Actual Completion Date: 0
    • USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

    Subject/Index Terms

    Filing Info

    • Accession Number: 01943052
    • Record Type: Research project
    • Source Agency: Transportation Infrastructure Precast Innovation Center
    • Files: UTC, RIP
    • Created Date: Jan 22 2025 11:40AM