Harnessing Shallow Geothermal Energy for Road Infrastructure: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Geothermal energy offers a promising and sustainable approach for maintaining and improving road infrastructure, particularly in mitigating ice formation and enhancing thermal performance. This review systematically examines scientific studies addressing the application of geothermal systems for the thermal management of road pavements. A structured methodological framework, following PRISMA guidelines, was employed to identify and select relevant publications from official scientific databases, focusing on articles considered eligible based on their thematic relevance and practical application within the field. The review pursues three complementary objectives: (i) to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current literature, (ii) to analyze research trends, including modeling strategies, laboratory experiments, and field applications, and (iii) to evaluate reported system performance in terms of efficiency, design parameters, and environmental considerations. Contributions are categorized into simulation-based studies, experimental investigations, and combined approaches, allowing for comparison across methodologies and climatic contexts. Key findings, technological limitations, and challenges encountered in the literature are discussed, including system efficiency, design constraints, and environmental considerations. By synthesizing the current state of knowledge, this review highlights critical gaps and potential avenues for future research, offering guidance for the development of innovative geothermal-based solutions. The insights presented herein contribute to informed decision-making in research planning and infrastructure development, supporting safer, more energy-efficient, and sustainable road systems.