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Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

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Title:

Heated Bridge Technology: Report on ISTEA Sec. 6005 Program

Abstract:

This report summarizes the experiences of agencies in five states that designed, constructed, and operated heated bridge deck surfaces for the control of snow and ice accumulation. The work was conducted as part of the Applied Research Techonology program (section 6005) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Effieciency Act (ISTEA) of 1991. Heated Bridge Technologies -- deck surface heating systems designed to prevent snow, ice and frost accumulation on bridge decks -- was a component of this program. Funding was provided during fidcal years 1992 through 1997. The program goal was to demonstrate durable, environmentally friendly technologies tht promote effective reduction of the slippery conditions on bridges caused by ice and snow without use of chemical applications. Heating technologies for prevention of snow an ice accumulation were incorporated in ten bridge decks located in 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 fluied pumped through pipe r 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 acumulated to judge the cost effectiveness of all the installations, but positive control of snow and ice had been demonstrated.

Source(s):

FHWA Office of Bridge Technology, Publication No. FHWA-RD-99-158

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/bridge/99158/index.cfm

Date: 1999

Author:

Minsk

Keywords:


Ice/Frost
Anti-icing/deicing
Bridge
Costs
Winter maintenance
Climate/Season

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