PURPOSES : A finite difference model considering snow melting process on porous asphalt pavement was derived on the basis of heat transfer and mass transfer theories. The derived model can be applied to predict the region where black-ice develops, as well as to predict temperature profile of pavement systems where a de-icing system is installed. In addition, the model can be used to determined the minimum energy required to melt the ice formed on the pavement. METHODS : The snow on the porous asphalt pavement, whose porosity must be considered in thermal analysis, is divided into several layers such as dry snow layer, saturated snow layer, water+pavement surface, pavement surface, and sublayer. The mass balance and heat balance equations are derived to describe conductive, convective, radiative, and latent transfer of heat and mass in each layer. The finite differential method is used to implement the derived equations, boundary conditions, and the testing method to determine the thermal properties are suggested for each layer. RESULTS: The finite differential equations that describe the icing and deicing on pavements are derived, and we have presented them in our work. The framework to develop a temperature-forecasting model is successfully created. CONCLUSIONS : We conclude by successfully creating framework for the finite difference model based on the heat and mass transfer theories. To complete implementation, laboratory tests required to be performed.

The snow melting system by electric heating wires which is adopted in this research is a part of road facilities to keep surface temperature of the road higher than freezing point of water for melting the snow accumulated on it. The electric heating wires are buried under paved road at a certain depth and operated automatically and manually. Design theory, amount of heating, and installation standard vary according to economic situation, weather condition, installation place and each country applying the system. A main purpose of this study is figuring out the appropriate range of required heat capacity and installation depth and pitch for solving snowdrifts and freezing problems with minimum electric power consumption. This study was performed under the ambient air temperature(-2℃, -5℃), the pitches of the electric heating wires(200 mm, 300 mm), heating value(250 W/m2, 300 W/m2, 350 W/m2).