Date of Award:

8-2023

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Marv Halling

Committee

Marv Halling

Committee

Nicholas Roberts

Committee

Andrew Sorensen

Committee

John Rice

Committee

Abhilash Kamineni

Abstract

The interest in electric vehicles (EVs) has been growing around the world significantly. EVs run on electricity by charging power to their batteries. However, a concern in the operation of the EVs is raised because they have an insufficient battery charge to reach their destination. In-motion, inductive power transfer (IPT) embedded into the roadway for the EVs can ease the need to use a charging stationary. This project focused on the durability of the dynamic charging IPT electronics integrated into concrete pavements. This research collaborated with electrical and mechanical engineering colleagues from the Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE) at Utah State University to develop dynamic charging. The mechanical behavior of the electrified precast concrete pavement (EPCP) was examined through a 3D finite element analysis (FEA) model in ANSYS and an experimental work. The EPCPs were subjected to cyclic thermal load from the IPT operation and structural load from a heavy truck. The ultimate failure loading test was conducted to determine the flexural strength of the EPCPs. For the physical test, the EPCP panel specimens were constructed. Embedded fiber optic strain and temperature gauges collected data from IPT heat load in the thermal testing. The internal embedded fiber optic and external strain gauges measured the strain data in the cyclic wheel load testing. For model validation, the results of the FEA models, such as strain and crack patterns on the concrete, were calibrated with the experimental data from strain and temperature readings. Then, the models were updated to develop reasonable mechanical behavior of the entire structure.

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