COSTS TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO THE USE OF CORROSIVE DEICING CHEMICALS AND A COMPARISON TO ALTERNATE WINTER ROAD MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

This study is a pragmatic attempt to quantify salt related damage to vehicles and bridge decks in the Anchorage area and to examine possible means of reducing the use of salt. Total cost as used in this report includes direct materials costs and indirect costs of loss of vehicle value and damage to bridge decks. Corrosion damage to vehicles in the study area is estimated at $5.1 million per year, and repair costs for corrosion damage to bridge decks are approximately $68,000 per year. Considering these damages as part of the total costs of salt usage makes the use of less damaging alternatives, with higher initial costs, more feasible. Use of alternative chemicals, such as urea and calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), and heated sand storage buildings were examined in the economic analysis. By storing sand in heated buildings, approximately 85% of NaC1 use could be eliminated. (Author)

• Record URL:
  • http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwddes/research/assets/pdf/ak_rd_84_14.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/40621
• Corporate Authors:

  Peratrovich, Nottingham & Drage, Incorporated

  1506 West 36 Avenue, Suite 101
  Anchorage, AK  United States  99503

  Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

  2301 Peger Road
  Fairbanks, AK  United States  99701
• Authors:
  • Nottingham, D
  • SCHOETTLE, S
  • GUNDERSON, W
• Publication Date: 1983-12

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 35 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Corrosion; Costs; Deicing chemicals; Urea
• Subject Areas: Finance; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Safety and Human Factors; Society; I62: Winter Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00387065
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: AK-RD-84-14
• Files: NTL, TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 30 1984 12:00AM