Enhancing the Durability of Bridge Decks by Incorporating Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in Concrete

Details

• Creators:
  Paswan, Rakesh ; Li, He-Wen-Xuan ; Das, Sumanta
• Corporate Creators:
  University of Rhode Island. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering ; University of Maine. Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center (TIDC)
• Corporate Contributors:
  United States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program ; United States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Bridge Decks Cold Weather Concrete Data Analysis Durability Freeze Thaw Tests Laboratory Tests Machine Learning Material Resilience Materials Pavement Condition Phase Change Materials (PCMs)

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• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Edition:
  Final Report
• Corporate Publisher:
  University of Maine. Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center (TIDC)
• Abstract:
  In cold climate regions, repeated freezing and thawing during the winter months causes concrete on bridges and road surfaces to crack and deteriorate over time. This damage shortens the service life of transportation infrastructure and increases maintenance costs. To address this problem, this project explored the use of microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) in concrete. These materials can store and release heat as they freeze and melt. When temperatures drop, the PCMs release stored heat, helping to keep the concrete slightly warmer and reducing the number of freeze–thaw cycles that cause cracking and surface damage. A series of laboratory experiments was carried out to test different PCM types and amounts in concrete mixtures. The project also used machine learning tools to analyze the experimental data and predict how different PCM combinations would perform under various temperature conditions. The results showed that adding PCMs to concrete can significantly reduce freeze–thaw damage and improve long-term durability. The research provides a new, data-driven approach for designing more resilient and longer-lasting concrete for bridges and pavements in cold climates.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  69A3551847101
• Collection(s):
  University Transportation Centers
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:6650aa191e404a2d9fc81013abfbb8074c0d3f4b366c4c07386709862e0ff2b78a866fcb7a7a573b5eff8a6a83173d77a4d428d750804bbf38d6145a4b87acec
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/88800/dot_88800_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 5.24 MB ]