An innovative self-heating concrete developed in the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering could eliminate the need for shoveling and salting sidewalks and roads during winter. The material, tested on campus for over three years, shows promise in melting snow and preventing ice formation without human intervention.
Amir Farnam, PhD, an associate professor, led the team in creating concrete that incorporates phase-change materials, specifically low-temperature liquid paraffin. This substance releases heat when it solidifies as temperatures drop, allowing the concrete to warm itself.
“We have demonstrated that our concrete is capable of melting snow on its own, using only the environmental daytime thermal energy — and doing it without the help of salt, shoveling or heating systems,” Farnam said.
The researchers tested two methods: treating porous lightweight aggregate with paraffin before mixing it into concrete, and directly mixing micro-capsules of paraffin into the concrete. Both approaches proved effective in field tests, with the treated slabs maintaining surface temperatures between 42 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 10 hours in freezing conditions.
This self-heating capability allows the concrete to melt snow at a rate of about a quarter-inch per hour, effectively handling snowfalls up to two inches. While not suitable for heavy snow accumulation, the technology could significantly reduce the need for traditional snow and ice removal methods.
The development has potential implications for infrastructure maintenance in cold climates. The National Highway Administration estimates that northern U.S. states spend $2.3 billion annually on snow and ice removal operations.
The research team plans to continue monitoring the test slabs to assess long-term effectiveness and optimize the system for greater performance. Their work represents a step towards more resilient and environmentally responsive infrastructure in regions prone to harsh winter conditions.
