초록
PURPOSES : This study aims to investigate the snow-melt effects of an underground electric heater's snow-melt system via a field performance test, for evaluating the suitability of the system for use on a concrete pavement. The study also investigates the effectiveness of dynamic measures for clearing snow after snowfall events. METHODS : In order to check the field applicability, in November 2010, specimens were prepared from materials used for constructing concrete pavements, and underground electric heating meshes (HOT-mesh) were buried at depths of 50 mm and 100 mm at the site of the Incheon International Airport Construction Research Institute. Further, an automatic heating control system, including a motion sensor and pavement-temperature-controlled sensor, were installed at the site; the former sensor was intended for determining snow-melt effects of the heating control system for different snowfall intensities. Pavement snow-melt effects on snowy days from December 2010 to January 2011 were examined by managing the electric heating meshes and the heating control system. In addition, data on pavement temperature changes resulting from the use of the heating meshes and heating control system and on the dependence of the correlation between the outdoor air temperature and the time taken for the required temperature rise on the depth of the heating meshes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS : The effects of the heating control system's preheat temperature and the hot meshes buried at depths of 50 mm and 100 mm on the melting of snow for snowfalls of different intensities have been verified. From the study of the time taken for the specimen's surface temperature to increase from the preheat temperature ($0^{\circ}C$) to the reference temperature ($5{\sim}8^{\circ}C$) for different snowfall intensities, the correlation between the burial depth and outdoor air temperature has been determined to be as follows: Time=15.10+1.141Depth-6.465Temp CONCLUSIONS : The following measures are suggested. For the effective use of the electric heating mesh, it should be located under a slab it may be put to practical use by positioning it under a slab. From the management aspect, the heating control system should be adjusted according to weather conditions, that is, the snowfall intensity.
