Lincoln (Neb.) - Oct. 8, 2001 - An innovative snow removal method developed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln engineering researchers will be put to the test in Shelby, Ohio, this winter to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology.
The method was developed during five years of research by civil engineers Christopher Tuan and Sherif Yehia, who said the technology will clear ice and snow from sidewalks and roadways without the use of salt. The technology turns concrete into an electricity conductor by introducing carbon and metal fibers into the concrete mix. Electricity passes through the concrete and causes it to heat up enough to melt ice and snow.
The Ohio demonstration project is the first in the United States to use the methods and mix developed by the UNL researchers. The product has been installed on sidewalks in front of two city buildings. Shelby is located about 75 miles southwest of Cleveland.
A Shelby resident who thought the technology would be perfect for the city's downtown enhancement project initiated venture. Clayton Hallmark noticed the UNL researchers' Web page on conductive concrete and thought he had a good product for the concrete mix. Hallmark works for Graphite Sales Inc., a producer of the carbon material used in conductive concrete.
"He sent us samples and it showed excellent performance for heating," Tuan said. "We invited him to Omaha and we talked about a joint venture to do a full-scale demonstration of the product."
Tuan traveled to Shelby in September to oversee the installation. The
slabs will be monitored over the next few years for performance and power
usage. UNL researchers have applied for a patent on the system, materials
and methods. Further information is available on the World Wide Web
(http://www.conductive-concrete.unomaha.edu).
For questions regarding these releases, contact:
tsimons1@unl.edu
(402) 472-8514, Fax: (402) 472-7825