Grant Awarded to Pursue Innovative Approaches to Combat Freeze-Thaw Damage
Overcoming the negative effects of freeze-thaw cycles on geo-structures like pavements, runways, and retaining walls poses a significant challenge for engineers, especially in extreme cold weather conditions. Traditional construction materials have been used for the past five decades and are highly susceptible to degradation from freeze-thaw cycles. This degradation necessitates frequent, costly maintenance, costing billions annually across the United States, particularly in regions with extreme cold weather.
A multi-university research group led by Principal Investigator Dilip Gersappe, professor and chair of the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, has been awarded a $4 million, three-year grant from the U.S. Army Cold Regions Lab (CRREL) to address this critical issue. Taejin Kim, associate professor in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering and Benjamin Hsiao, distinguished professor in the Department of Chemistry, serve as co-PIs for the project. This is a collaborative effort with Sherif Abdelaziz, associate professor at Virginia Tech, and Timothy Pasch, professor at the University of North Dakota.
The main goal is to incorporate new sustainable freeze-resisting materials, called hydrogels, into the construction of geo-infrastructure in extreme cold weather conditions and to evaluate the performance of construction materials combined with antifreeze biogels under extreme cold conditions.
The project aims to prove that integrating antifreeze hydrogels into geo-construction materials will significantly enhance their performance and durability when subjected to freeze-thaw cycles. By demonstrating the improved performance of these antifreeze-based materials, the project will provide the scientific basis for updating construction standards and codes for extreme cold weather conditions. These changes are crucial for reducing maintenance costs and improving the longevity and reliability of critical infrastructure.
“Our research aims to transform the way we build and maintain critical infrastructure in extreme cold weather regions. This project has the potential to significantly reduce maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of geo-structures, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for our cold-weather communities,” said Gersappe.
By addressing the challenges posed by freeze-thaw cycles with innovative materials, the project aims to revolutionize construction practices in extreme cold weather regions. Integrating antifreeze hydrogels into construction materials promises to extend the lifespan of geo-structures, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance overall infrastructure resilience, ensuring a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to managing cold-weather impacts on infrastructure.
— Beth Squire