Citation

Lee RC, Sackos JT, Nydahl JE, Pell KM. Transp. Res. Rec. 1984; 962: 51-56.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

An experimental bridge deck heating system has been constructed and monitored that uses field-assembled heat pipes to transfer energy from 100-ft vertical evaporators in the ground. Measurements indicate that the heated surface was from 2ous to 14ousC warmer than the unheated portion of the bridge during heating events. This heating was sufficient to prevent the preferential freezing of the bridge deck surface relative to the adjacent road and provided some snow melting. A computer model that simulates the performance of ground heat pipe systems has been developed and verified by using data from two experimental facilities. This model is being used in conjunction with experimental results to prepare a general design procedure for these types of systems.

Language: en

Keywords

BRIDGES, HIGHWAY; ROADS AND STREETS - Snow and Ice Control; BRIDGES - Decks; HEAT PIPES; SNOW MELTING SYSTEMS