Finite element method simulation and experimental investigation on the temperature control system with groundwater circulation in bridge deck pavement

• Main Authors: Ni, Wei, Dan, Hancheng, Bai, Gewen, Tan, Jiawei
• Other Authors: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: Engineering; Groundwater circulation temperature control system; Bridge deck pavement
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/181743
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The application of green energy resources is gaining increasing attention in the field of engineering. In cold areas, the groundwater circulation temperature control system (GCTCS) can serve as an auxiliary structure to the bridge deck on highways, effectively preventing the pavement surface from freezing. In this study, a finite element simulation is conducted to establish a bridge structure model of the GCTCS, incorporating both steady-state and transient conditions to investigate its anti-icing performance. Additionally, the influences of various factors, such as wind speed, asphalt concrete layer thickness, groundwater temperature, pipe water flow rate, and pipe spacing, on the temperature of the water film on the pavement surface are investigated and validated through laboratory testing. The results demonstrate that wind speed has a significant influence, with the convective heat loss reaching 90% when the wind speed reaches 10 m/s. Groundwater temperature is the second most influential factor, showing a linear relationship with the water film temperature. Excessive pipe spacing can lead to an uneven temperature distribution on the pavement surface. The thickness of the asphalt concrete layer and the flow rate have minimal effects. However, a low flow rate can result in a significant decrease in the water film temperature. Furthermore, changes in the thermal conductivity of the surface layers also contribute to the anti-icing effect. The simulation analysis of the GCTCS provides valuable guidance for practical engineering in cooler regions where groundwater resources are abundant.