Evaluation of Radio Frequency Interference Potential of Electrically Conductive Concrete for Heated Pavement Systems

Recent research studies at Iowa State University (ISU) have led to the development of electrically conductive concrete (ECON) heated pavement systems (HPS) whose primary goal is to prevent ice and snow accumulation on paved surfaces in an airport setting-a setting where radio frequency (RF) communication, such as in telecommunication and radio navigation systems, is also heavily utilized. The current loops created during the operation of ECON HPS, connected to a power source via electrode bars, can emit electromagnetic (EM) radiation. If the radiation lies in or near the radio frequency bandwidth, the RF communication and radio navigation systems in the airport can be affected, creating safety concerns such as disruption in connectivity, temporary loss of signal, declining signal quality, or preventing reception altogether. This study investigates the RF interference potential of ECON HPS. EM emissions from ECON samples were examined and tested for their emission frequencies. This study includes design parameters such as ECON sample size, power source magnitude, location, and sample dampness. Results from the study were examined and analyzed to determine the properties of the EM radiation emitted from ECON, and these properties were then compared to the operating frequencies of telecommunication and radio navigation devices used in the airports to determine whether ECON HPS exhibits unacceptable RF interference.