Investigation of Stress Occurring in the Wearing Layer in Cases of Embedded Pipes in Different Layers in Asphalt Pavements with Hydronic Heating System

Abstract

In order to prevent snow accumulation and ice formation on asphalt concrete roads, the use of a hydronic heating system embedded in the pavement is recommended as an alternative to traditional snow and ice fighting applications. Hydronic heating systems circulate a heated liquid through a pipe network placed under the pavement layer to melt the snow and ice accumulated in the pavement layer, thus preventing the road surface from icing. Various parameters need to be evaluated for a reliable and economically viable hydronic snowmelt system. In this study, the stresses that occur as a result of traffic load in flexible pavements where hydronic heating systems are used and the stresses that occur as a result of traffic load in flexible pavements without hydronic heating system are compared using finite element software. Evaluations were made using five different air temperatures and three different inlet water temperatures. In the study, the stresses occurring in the surface course were investigated when buried pipes are located in the surface course, binder course, asphalt base course and gravel base layer. In addition, the stresses that occur as a result of traffic load in pe-x pipes used in the system were also evaluated.