Road Weather Management Program
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Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

Title:

Smart Control of a Geothermally Heated Bridge Deck

Abstract:

This manuscript describes the "smart" control system designed for a geothermal bridge deck heating system. The control system integrates concepts of model predictive control with a first-principles bridge deck model and hourly computerized National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts to prevent bridge icing without the use of salt or other chemical deicing materials. The proactive nature of the control system maximizes motorists safety and bridge life while minimizing system operating costs.

Source(s):

82nd Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting; Conoco, Oklahoma State University, Beak International Incorporated and University of Oklahoma

http://cig.mesonet.org/staff/arndt/TRB03-2716.pdf

Date: 2003

Author:

Jenks, et al

Keywords:


Anti-icing/deicing
Bridge
Forecast/Prediction
Pavement temperature
Productivity
Safety
Thermal mapping
Weather information
Winter maintenance

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