Numerical Study on Optimal Scheme of the Geothermally Heated Bridge Deck System

Abstract

Ground source deicing system application in bridge decks is an alternative to salt use, which reduces corrosion and extends the deck service life. Herein, a preliminary parametric numerical analysis is performed to investigate the effects of several important parameters (tube spacing, inlet temperature, flow rate, and concrete cover) on heat transfer performance. Three evaluation indexes (average top surface temperature, snow melting proportion, and heat absorption power) are introduced, and a synthetic evaluation index is proposed to comprehensively consider factors. Mainly referring to the synthetic evaluation index, the optimal design scheme of a geothermally heated bridge deck system under various conditions (layout, lane number, ambient temperature, and tube spacing) is obtained and analyzed to determine the optimal inlet temperature and guide heated bridge deck design. Finally, the influence of wind speed and two adjustment methods are studied. The results indicate that the horizontal layout is the recommended circulating tube layout. The established empirical equations reveal that the optimal inlet temperature is linearly related to ambient temperature and exhibits a quadratic relationship with tube spacing. There is no need to add a heat insulation layer at the bridge deck bottom, and only tubes arranged near the wheels in lanes are recommended.