pacific nw transportation consortium region 10 Pactrans

Smart & Environmentally Friendly Winter Maintenance Solutions for Safe Winter Mobility

PI: Somayeh Nassiri (WSU), snassiri@wsu.edu, ORCID: 0000-0001-5367-2167

Co PIs: none

AMOUNT & MATCH: $45,000 from PacTrans; $45,000 Match

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: 8/16/2018 – 8/15/2020

STATUS: Completed

CATEGORIES: Winter Maintenance, Safety

RESEARCH PROJECT HOT SHEET:

UTC PROJECT DOCUMENTATION:

FINAL PROJECT REPORT:

PROJECT DATA: This project produced no new data, and all data used for analysis is referenced in the technical project report

DESCRIPTION: The primary objective of this study is the investigation of different types of fibers and fiber dosages on conductivity properties of paving concrete, and ultimately evaluation of deicing efficiency. To do so, an experimental matrix with seven concrete mixtures was developed. A conventional paving mixture was selected as a Control mixture. The remaining six mixtures were designed with carbon and steel fibers at 0.25 %, 0.50% and 0.75% volumetric dosages.

Concrete specimens will be cured for 28 days in a fog room after which they will be tested for compressive strength, flexural strength, and toughness index. To assess the electrical properties, electrical resistivity will be measured on 14-, 28-, 49-, 70-, and 90-days age. Additionally, a series of specimens will be cast with electrodes and connected to DC power supply to assess the current flow. This comprehensive experimental framework will enable to determine optimum percentages of carbon and steel fibers which will reduce the electrical resistivity of concrete significantly. As a result, the concrete will gain enough electrical conductivity that will enable current flow and heat development necessary for the intended purpose of pavement deicing.