Effect of de-icing in conductive concrete by varying carbon powder percent and slab thickness

Deposition of Ice is observed over the road in cold countries and to the greater thickness during winter seasons. This problem is critical at bridge locations. This necessitates the removal of ice frequently. Manual removal is very difficult and time consuming. These need a process of continuous automatic removal. Conductive concrete when provided at bridge portion will continuously de-ice that portion. This is due to the heat generation because of its relatively high conductivity and electrical resistivity in the conductive concrete. In this study, an attempt is made to prepare conductive concrete in the laboratory and tested for its de-icing performance. M40 grade conductive concrete mixes were prepared with varying percentages of carbon content and cube strengths are determined for the same. The rate of de-icing is tested by proper electric supply to the casted conductive concrete slabs of 6 inch and 8 inch thick with varying carbon contents (8%, 10% and 12%) by weight of aggregates in the laboratory. Steel fibers are maintained constant at 2% by weight of aggregate. 10mm diameter TMT bars of Fe-415 were used as electrodes. The strength of concrete at 12% carbon content is 41.1MPa and further increase in carbon content shown decrease in strength (i.e. <40MPa) which is not recommended for highway pavements. The temperature of slab increased with increase in an applied voltage. This study confirmed that, the de-icing process is highly effective in conductive concrete and may eliminate ice clearing by manually.