0 Geothermal Bridge Monitors Deck Temperature

Piping grid in road bed circulates geothermal fluid (Canada)

"Bridges and overpasses lose heat faster overnight than neighboring roads because they are surrounded by air. Black ice forms in minutes when moisture in the air freezes into a thin, virtually invisible layer of ice on a bridge deck; this happens even though approach roads may be bare.

The system works to cool the bridge deck in the summer time and heat it during the winter, reducing the temperature extremes and associated thermal expansions and contractions that stress and cause wear to the bridge structure. A heated bridge deck not only eliminates 24/7 rapid response by city crews to treat black ice, but it also reduces snowplow damage to the bridge, reduces damaging thermal stresses, and reduces maintenance requirements. Further, because salt is not required to make the bridge safe for driving, the bridge is expected to have a life span up to 25 years greater than the typical 50 year bridge life span."

Read more here : Sensor Mag