Multiphysics based Analysis of Materials for Roads in Cold Regions to Prevent Ice Adhesion and Low-Temperature Crack Developments

Roads constitute a significant hazard if the effects of wintertime are not handled well. After a heavy snowfall, the most dangerous factor is a slippery surface due to ice adhesion with the asphalt pavement. The ice on roads increases the risk of road accidents and, upon melting, contributes to the formation of Low-Temperature Cracks (LTCs) and potholes. This research explores the physical principle that could remove the ice from concrete roads by investigating whether road ice is susceptible to self-separation upon loading when the road surfaces in cold regions are coated with a polymer-based material such as polyurethane. This study conducted an experimental and numerical analysis of ice-polyurethane and ice-concrete separation under tensile load and calculated the Von-Mises stresses on the surfaces. Results revealed higher Von-Mises stresses on ice when the base material is polyurethane compared to concrete, indicating ice is more prone to self-separation when adhered to polyurethane than concrete. These results are important for increasing the operational life of roads in cold regions and reducing the number of road accidents. In addition, polyurethane is a potential material for pre-emptive road measures, such as repairing cracks before they become potholes.