4796

Iowa State University researchers have developed a method of producing a heating pavement system using electrically conductive concrete for efficient deicing.  The invention incorporates carbon microfibers in the electrically conductive concrete layer which decreases the electrical resistivity of the concrete, as well as electrodes to apply electric power to the layer.  The bottom layer can be standard Portland cement concrete, and can either be reinforced or non-reinforced based on the project requirements.

Traditional methods of ice and snow removal from pavements involve using deicing chemicals along with mechanical removal.  These methods require large manpower, sophisticated machinery, and environmentally harmful chemicals, which can result in damage to the pavement.  A recent alternative to these methods involves using heated pavement systems (HPS), which heat the pavement in order to melt snow and ice.  This invention describes a HPS that uses electrically conductive concrete (ECON), which utilizes electrical current to generate heat.  The ECON layer contains low volume fractions of carbon microfibers, which decreases the electrical resistivity of the concrete as well as increases the mechanical strength and minimizes the cost.  Additionally, corrosive chemicals and large machinery is not involved for snow removal, which allows for increased lifespan of the concrete.

This technology is related to ISURF 4834: Electrically-conductive asphalt concrete containing carbon fibers and ISURF 4848: Precast heated concrete panels using electrically conductive concrete or hydronic heating technology

• No chemicals or mechanical snow/ice removal required

• Low carbon microfiber dosage

• Increased lifespan of concrete

• Conductive layer is stronger than plain concrete

• Quicker snow/ice removal

Rapid snow/ice removal from concrete

Patent(s) applied for