Sustainability Evaluation of Conductive Concrete for Pavement Deicing: The Case Study of Parkway Bridge, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The main target of this study is to evaluate the sustainability of existing mix proportions of the concrete to find the best option for pavement deicing in bridge in Tehran. Based on data availability, the meteorological condition in Tehran, and interviews with experts, 12 conductive concrete mixes, which were evaluated in previous studies, were proposed in this study. Sustainable indicators were selected based on data availability, proposed life cycle assessment indicators by CEN TC350, and experts’ opinions. Weights and effect values of the indicators were determined based on interviews with experts. Values of two indicators, including compressive strength and resistivity, were extracted from the previous studies. Existing numerical models were used to determine the values of other indicators. A composite sustainability index and an applied effect of changes intensity in each indicator (AECIEI) methods were used to sort the mix proportions. Results show that the AECIEI method is more accurate for megacities, where several critical environmental and social problems exist because it can apply the effect of critical indicators and the intensity of the changes on sustainability. Mix proportion 1, in which steel wastes were used as the conductive material, is selected as the best option with compressive strength of 37.77 MPa, resistivity of 5.69 Ω m. This mix proportion can increase the temperature by 18.8 °C and can increase the temperature from − 10 to 3 °C during 103.723 min.