Distribution of De-Icing Salts on the Road Surface

This article reports on a two-year study (2006 to 2008) of the distribution of de-icing salts (NaCl) applied to the road and the influence of traffic on the effective times of the de-icing salts. The research was focused on the needed resting periods of de-icing salts on road surfaces. The study used sensors installed in two lanes of the Motorway A4 in the area of the Dresden-Hellerau Highway Surveillance Center (Germany), to measure air and ground temperatures, wind speed and direction, liquid film thicknesses and residual quantities of salt on the road surface during ongoing traffic at 5-minute intervals. The authors conclude with four observations that can be useful for applying de-icing salts more judiciously: preventive spreading is only sensible if applied timely, i.e. immediately prior to icing events to be expected; the time-frame for preventive spreading on the dry road surface is maximum 60 minutes and on the moist road surface maximum 120 minutes; by increasing spreading densities in preventive spreading, this timeframe cannot be extended; it is completely sufficient if the spreading width is adjusted in such a way that the outer wheel tracks are also covered by the spreading. Distribution across the entire width of the lane will be caused by the rolling traffic within a few minutes.

• Record URL:
  http://publications.piarc.org/ressources/documents/RR345_WEB_Complet.pdf
• 
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/31984593
• Authors:
  • Hausmann, Gunter
  • Badelt, H
• Publication Date: 2010-1

Language

• English
• French

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 64-67
• Serial:
  • Routes/Roads
  • Issue Number: 345
  • Publisher: World Road Association (PIARC)
  • ISSN: 0004-556X
  • Serial URL: http://www.piarc.org/en/publications/Routes-Roads-Magazine/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cold weather; Deicing; Deicing chemicals; Highway safety; Ice; Sensors; Spreading; Temperature measurement; Traffic lanes; Weather conditions; Winter
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Safety and Human Factors; I62: Winter Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01158045
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 30 2010 7:44AM