Heated Bridge Technology - Report on ISTEA Sec. 6005 Program

1999Moravec, Michael M.PDFTech Reporthttps://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/bridge/99158/https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/bridge/99158/99158.pdfFHWA-RD-99-158DTFH61-98-Z-00003Anti-icingBridge decksSnow and ice controlWinter maintenanceHeating equipmentUnited StatesUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationMinsk, L. D.United States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Technology ApplicationsUnited States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of EngineeringUnited States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Research and Technology ServicesTurner-Fairbank Highway Research CenterMoravec, Michael M.Federal Highway AdministrationHeating technologies for prevention of snow and ice accumulation were incorporated in ten bridge decks located in five states, Nebraska, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia, to enhance motorist safety and reduce traffic disruptions. Three different technologies were used to convey heat to the bridge surface: hydronic (heated fluid pumped through pipe or tubing in the pavement close to the surface), heat pipe (passive transfer of heat by vaporization and condensation of a working fluid contained in sealed pipes), and electric (heat generated by electric resistance cables buried in the pavement near the surface). The report gives construction details, cost data, operating characteristics, and experiences during winter operations. At the time this report was prepared, insufficient operating time had accumulated to judge the cost effectiveness of all the installations, but positive control of snow and ice had been demonstrated.78