Evaluating Full-Scale Electrically Conductive Concrete Heated-Pavement Systems to Identify Key Design Parameters

Abstract

Although electrically conductive concrete (ECON) heated-pavement system (HPS) is a promising alternative to traditional snow-removal methods, the lack of design guidelines for future ECON projects hinders their widespread adoption. This study addresses the gap by identifying critical design parameters for future ECON systems. In order to achieve this goal, the performance was evaluated of two existing full-scale demonstration ECON projects: Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). A laboratory investigation was conducted to gain a deeper insight into the heating mechanism of the ECON HPS. Critical design parameters for developing a comprehensive design methodology for ECON systems were identified through construction and performance data analysis. These parameters include electrode–concrete interface area, electrode placement depth, electrode spacing, electrical resistivity of the concrete, and applied voltage. Laboratory results suggested that each ECON system has a threshold voltage level, and if the applied voltage is beyond that threshold voltage, the heating performance of the system may deteriorate and can take longer to melt the pavement ice, increasing the energy consumption cost. The insights provided by this study contribute to understanding the long-term performance and critical design considerations for ECON HPS, and the findings emphasize the importance of adhering to appropriate design parameters to ensure optimal system performance and longevity. Moreover, the identified critical design parameters serve as a foundation for developing comprehensive design guidelines for facilitating the implementation of ECON systems used for efficient snow removal on pavements. In regions prone to severe winters, snowstorms pose a multifaceted threat, disrupting traffic flow, causing substantial economic losses, and heightening the risk of accidents and harm to human life. With conventional snow-removal methods often proving insufficient to tackle the severity of these challenges, transportation agencies are actively seeking innovative alternatives. ECON HPS have emerged as a promising solution, offering the potential to melt snow and ice efficiently, enhancing road safety, and maintaining critical transportation networks. However, the widespread adoption of ECON HPS has been hampered by the absence of comprehensive design guidelines, hindering its practical implementation. This study addresses this critical gap by providing essential insights into the practical deployment of ECON HPS in real-world scenarios. By delving into crucial design parameters such as electrode–concrete interface area, placement depth, spacing, electrical resistivity, and applied voltage, this research offers a roadmap for optimizing system performance and longevity. By incorporating these parameters into the design process, transportation agencies can improve snow-removal efficiency and traffic flow and mitigate the broader socioeconomic impacts of snowstorms, fostering safer, more resilient communities in cold regions. By developing robust design guidelines, ECON HPS can be more readily implemented, leading to safer roads and more efficient snow-removal processes, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life in cold-weather regions.