Center for Transportation Research and Education

About the research

Traditional deicing methods, such as salt application and mechanical removal, incur high costs, require a seasonal workforce, and raise environmental concerns due to water contamination and material degradation. The electrically conductive concrete (ECON) heated transportation infrastructure system offers a more sustainable alternative, utilizing ohmic heating to convert electrical energy into thermal energy, thus preventing ice formation and melting snow on the pavement surface. To facilitate construction of the Iowa City bus stop enhancement project under Iowa Highway Research Board (IHRB) Project TR-789, this research provides key recommendations for ECON production techniques at ready mixed concrete plants to ensure the system’s effectiveness and functionality The addition of 0.5 in. long carbon fibers to the truck mixer in stages at the job site is recommended. The recommended maximum truckload for ECON production is 6 yd³ to prevent fiber balling. Additionally, fresh-stage electrical resistance testing is proposed to facilitate the decision of whether to accept or reject a batch. After electrical evaluation of existing full-scale ECON heated transportation infrastructure systems, small-scale ECON slabs, and small demonstration sites constructed under this study, an operating voltage of 24 volts alternating current (VAC) is advised, and a protective paint layer can be applied to the ECON slab’s surface for added safety. These findings offer a framework for ECON heated transportation infrastructure system implementation, supporting safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly snow and ice removal, essential for maintaining reliable year-round transportation in snowy regions.