An electrically heated pavement system to combat winter challenges

2023-12-01 21:10:00

A team of researchers looked at an ingenious solution to make roads safer during harsh winters via an electrically heated roadway system. This innovation has the potential to solve snow and ice problems affecting roadways and aircraft runways.

The Center for Research and Education in Advanced Transportation Systems (CREATES) of theRowan University recently published the results of large-scale tests in a scientific journal, the Transportation Research Record.

The tests, carried out during the winters of 2021 and 2022, compared a conventional strip of pavement to two electrically heated strips, one paved with a conductive asphalt binder and the other with a conductive asphalt mixture containing a mixture of thin coating modified and performance with graphite and carbon fibers.

Encouraging results

The two heated strips of pavement were installed on steel electrodes, spaced six or twelve inches apart, and connected to a power source. Electrical data from the heated test strips showed that the strip containing the conductive performance coating mixture required almost 50% less energy to warm the surface above freezing point than the strip containing the conductive asphalt binder.

Yusuf Mehta, Ph.D., director of CREATES and principal investigator of the project, specified: « We are committed to advancing this electrically heated pavement system into a viable and sustainable solution for maintenance in winter conditions. By refining these methodologies, we aim to contribute to safer and more efficient travel, not only in New Jersey, but potentially in regions facing severe winter challenges. »

The next phase of research

The next phase of research will be conducted on a large scale in extreme cold conditions at an Arctic testing center operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said Ayman Ali, Ph.D., associate director of CREATES and co-principal investigator of the project.

« The successful application of electrically heated pavement systems will help the Army and other Department of Defense agencies build safe horizontal infrastructure, such as airfields and airstrips,» said Ayman Ali. « We expect this design to reduce delays in flight operations in Arctic and subarctic regions. »

Synthetic

This innovative research into an electrically heated pavement system could offer a sustainable and effective solution to combat winter challenges on roads and airfields. The test results are promising, and the next phase of research, conducted in extreme cold conditions, could confirm the potential of this technology.

For a better understanding

What is the electrically heated pavement system?

It is a system developed by researchers at Rowan University that uses electricity to heat the road surface and thus melt snow and ice on roads and airfields.

The system uses heated pavement strips installed on steel electrodes, which are connected to a power source. Electricity is used to warm the road surface above freezing.

What are the advantages of this system?

The main advantage is that it requires less energy to heat the road surface. Additionally, it could contribute to safer and more efficient travel in winter.

Where were the tests carried out?

Testing was conducted at Rowan University in New Jersey, and the next phase of research will be conducted at an Arctic testing facility operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

When can we expect to see this system in action?

There is no specific date yet, but researchers are determined to advance this system to make it a viable and sustainable solution for maintenance in winter conditions.

Main lessons

Lessons learnedThe electrically heated pavement system is being developed by Rowan University. The system uses electricity to warm the pavement and melt snow and ice. Tests have shown that the system requires less energy to warm the surface of the roadway. Researchers aim to make this system a viable and durable solution for maintenance in winter conditions. The next phase of research will be conducted at an Arctic test center operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers .The system could contribute to safer and more efficient travel in winter.The tests were carried out during the winters of 2021 and 2022.Two types of heated road strips were tested: one with a conductive asphalt binder and the other with a mixture of conductive asphalt containing graphite and carbon fibers. The heated pavement strips were installed on steel electrodes, spaced six or twelve inches apart. Successful application of the system could help the Army and other Department of Defense agencies to build secure horizontal infrastructure.