Abstract

Winter weather can often pose difficulties for transportation agencies as they work to clear roads of snow and ice quickly so that motorists can travel safely and efficiently. Kentucky has made efforts to maximize efficiency within its winter maintenance program by focusing on optimized equipment usage and personnel time management. In this study, KYTC evaluated anti-icers and how their performance compared to the current performance of brine and calcium chloride mixture. New brine additives claim to offer better results, but there is very little guidance about how to systematically evaluate new anti-icers. Researchers were tasked with developing a testing methodology that could be performed in a laboratory setting to evaluate an anti-icer’s ability to “undercut”, or break the bond between pavement and ice. Four products were tested, as well as evaluated for price per lane mile when the additives were diluted with brine. The report concludes with a brief analysis of the environmental impacts of the additives, including effects on infrastructure and biosystems.

Report Date

7-2021

Report Number

KTC-21-20/SPR18-566-1F

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2021.20

Notes

© 2021 University of Kentucky, Kentucky Transportation Center

Information may not be used, reproduced, or republished without KTC’s written consent.

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Center, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the United States Department of Transportation, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The inclusion of manufacturer names or trade names is for identification purposes and should not be considered an endorsement.

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