Feasibility analysis of low thermal conductivity asphalt concrete bridge deck deicing by using geothermal energy

Abstract

Deicing of bridge deck is studied based on ground source heat. In this paper, a COMSOL finite element numerical model is established, it considers the generalized heat flux, convective radiation heat flux and snow melting heat rate as the cold source. The designed pipe spacing of the model is 20cm, 25cm and 30cm respectively. The influence of low thermal conductivity of asphalt bridge deck on deicing effect is considered in the model, and the temperature and stress of bridge deck are simulated, and the relevant data results are obtained. The actual heat flux required for deicing is calculated, and it is concluded that the deicing effect increases gradually with the increase of pipe spacing, but the increase of 20cm spacing is smaller than that of 25cm spacing. 25cm spacing has good effect and is the most economical.