Channeling the heat from heated asphalt pavements into energy can decrease energy costs in an environmentally friendly manner. By determining ways to increase the thermal properties of the asphalt, more energy can be produced. This project investigated the use of various materials, additives, and testing procedures to obtain the greatest energy output from asphalt pavements. Tests were performed either with water being heated in a water bath from a copper pipe, or with water flowing through copper pipes. It was determined from the multiple test procedures that quartzite aggregates, the more thermally conductive material, are the more advantageous aggregate choice. Flowing water through a larger surface area of pipe over a longer length of pavement is the best energy transfer system.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Rockett, Laura A

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-022808-115914

Advisor

• Mallick, Rajib B.

Year

• 2008

Date created

• 2008-02-28

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Civil Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2020-12-21