Development and Optimization of Biochar-Infused Self-Heating Concrete for Bridge Deck Deicing, Strength, and Service Life

Ongoing advances in the understanding of the chemistry and physics of infrastructure materials are making it possible to endow concrete with functional properties that include electrical conductivity, active thermal management, and charge storage. In this proposal, the research team will exploit these advances to engineer concrete bridge deck materials that can be heated in cold weather to eliminate or prevent ice formation. This functional behavior will be produced by infusing the material with moderate doses of biochar, a nanoporous and electrically conductive additive that will enable the material to conduct electricity and thereby raise the material’s temperature by Joule heating. The advent of electrically conductive concrete (ECC) will greatly reduce or eliminate the need for deicing salts in cold weather, the latter which interferes with traffic patterns when applied and shortens the service life of bridge decks by salt scaling mechanisms. In addition, the formulations will be optimized for ideal self-heating and maximum possible compressive strength.

• Record URL:
  • https://abc-utc.fiu.edu/development-and-optimization-of-biochar-infused-self-heating-concrete-for-bridge-deck-deicing-strength-and-service-life/

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $135,800.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348322

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Innovative Bridge Technologies/Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (IBT/ABC-UTC)

  Florida International University
  Miami, FL  United States 

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

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

  Texas A&M University, College Station

  Zachry Department of Civil Engineering
  3136 TAMU
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3136
• Principal Investigators:

  Bullard, Jeffrey

• Start Date: 20260101
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Concrete; Deicing; Electrical conductivity; Heat conduction
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01987966
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Innovative Bridge Technologies/Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (IBT/ABC-UTC)
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348322
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Apr 27 2026 7:56PM