Citation

Kramer TJ. Transp. Res. Rec. 1980; 776: 1-8.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A computer simulation technique is described for modeling dynamic heat-transfer processes that influence the snow and ice removal performance of guideway heating systems. A concrete-channel guideway section is modeled, and the analysis results are presented to demonstrate the potential of this technique as a design tool for evaluating and screening snow-removal concepts. A cost model of guideway heating systems is developed. The model includes delay costs incurred by riders when the transportation system is unavailable as a result of snow or ice accumulation on the running surface. This cost is added to the capital, operating, and maintenance costs, and an optimum cost-design point is identified for an electrically heated concrete guideway. A comparison of the costs of field testing with those of environmental chamber testing is also presented. It is recommended that design verification tests be conducted under extreme operating conditions to identify potential inadequacies missed in computer modeling. This strategy favors the use of chamber testing, where extreme conditions can be simulated on demand.