Experimental Study on the Influence of Buried Geothermal Pipes on the Temperature Field of Concrete Roads

Snow removal is a critical security issue for concrete roads, but geothermal methods can be an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to traditional approaches for snow removal. In order to obtain fully the change rule of the temperature field of the concrete road under geothermal conditions, observe the relationship between temperature rise and time, and better apply the geothermal buried pipe technology to road snow and ice melting, two concrete road models with the dimension of 1 m × 2 m × 0.45 m are made. The model experiments are carried out under the conditions of 0.8 m/s, 0.85 m/s, and 0.9 m/s of pipeline flow velocity, 15 cm and 25 cm of buried pipe depth, and 10 cm and 15 cm of pipe space. The influence of flow velocity, the buried pipe depth, and space on the internal and surface temperature field of concrete road is studied. The results show that, in the flow velocity test, the temperature of the four-layer measuring points shows an upward trend under different flow velocities. With the increase of initial flow velocity, the temperature rise of the first layer measuring points gradually increases. The temperature rise value of the first layer corresponding to 0.9 m/s is 11.66°C, 4.32°C, and 3.13°C higher than 0.8 m/s and 0.85 m/s, respectively; in the buried depth test, the first layer temperature rise at 15 cm is 1.85°C higher than that at 25 cm; in the space test, when the buried pipe space increases from 10 cm to 15 cm, the temperature rise value of the first layer decreases by 1.2°C. From the above three influencing factors experiments, it can be obtained that the temperature rise stage of the first layer measuring points can be divided into the rapid temperature rise stage within 0–2 hours, the temperature rise one with 2 h–6 h, and stable temperature stage after 6 h. Experimental observation shows that road temperature will be higher than 8°C within 1 h–1.2 h, which can eliminate the road icing temperature conditions to ensure that the road does not freeze. After opening the snow melting system for 6 h, the surface temperature of the road tends to be stable, and there is no significant change. In practical application, open the system 1.5 h in advance so that it can prevent road snow and freezing. After opening the system for 6 h or stopping snowfall and rainfall within 6 h, close the system, and the residual temperature stored in the concrete road is used for deicing and snow melting. Ensuring that the road surface temperature is above 0°C, the heating system is turned on intermittently to save energy. The research provides theoretical support for preventing road snow and freezing.

CHALLENGES OF SNOW DISPOSAL AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN THE CONDITIONS OF NUR-SULTAN

Introduction. In this paper, we analyze various methods of snow removal in urban areas and consider the most cost-effective and efficient solutions for snow removal and disposal using heat from sewage drains by means of stationary snow-melting points (SMP) in Nur-Sultan. In cooperation with Astana su Arnasy specialists, responsible for the operation of the city sewer system, as well as cleaning and disinfection of urban sewage drains, we reviewed the main advantages and disadvantages. Methods. The paper looks into the possibility of utilizing heat from sewage drains with the help of heat pumps. This method has been successfully tested at a sewage treatment plant and is currently used to heat auxiliary premises. The same principle can be applied in SMPs with a separate discharge of meltwater to the storm sewer. Results. Having studied the experience of using various methods for snow removal in urban areas, we find that snow removal with the use of sewage drains through the creation of special snow-melting complexes integrated with the city sewer system is the most promising method for Nur-Sultan since it allows for reducing costs, intensifying the process of snow melting, and eliminating the hazardous impact of meltwater on the environment. Conclusion. To ensure successful implementation and use of this snow removal method in Nur-Sultan, it is required to conduct a number of additional studies on the impact of sewage treatment plants on the technological processes, as well as to test options for separating sewage drains with the help of heat pumps, and, based on the studies conducted, to determine the final configuration of snow-melting complexes.

Costs of reproduction under experimental climate change across elevations in the perennial forb Boechera stricta

Investment in current reproduction can reduce future fitness by depleting resources needed for maintenance, particularly under environmental stress. These trade-offs influence life-history evolution. We tested whether climate change alters the future-fitness costs of current reproduction in a large-scale field experiment of Boechera stricta (Brassicaceae). Over 6 years, we simulated climate change along an elevational gradient in the Rocky Mountains through snow removal, which accelerates snowmelt and reduces soil water availability. Costs of reproduction were greatest in arid, lower elevations, where high initial reproductive effort depressed future fitness. At mid-elevations, initial reproduction augmented subsequent fitness in benign conditions, but pronounced costs emerged under snow removal. At high elevation, snow removal dampened costs of reproduction by prolonging the growing season. In most scenarios, failed reproduction in response to resource limitation depressed lifetime fecundity. Indeed, fruit abortion only benefited high-fitness individuals under benign conditions. We propose that climate change could shift life-history trade-offs in an environment-dependent fashion, possibly favouring early reproduction and short lifespans in stressful conditions.