THE GREAT SALT DEBATE

This article focuses on the debate which centers on the use of salt as deicer, the cost of the material and its corrosive and environmental problems, and suggests alternatives to its use. Studies have shown that the use of salt and sand is much more costly to the public than governmental agencies have calculated. When the indirect costs of salt-related corrosion damage are estimated and included, the total cost of using salt becomes very high. Experience with salt use and more exotic snow and ice control measures is reviewed. The use, in St. Louis, of a mix of salt and calcium chloride, is described. The use of salt mixed with PCI (polymeric corrosion inhibitor) reduces corrosion from 50 to 80% compared to salt in halide compounds. Experimentation has led to the devolopment of an effective deicer called Freezegard Plus PCI. Developmental work is progressing on Icegard (magnesium chloride) Plus PCI which could be combined with salt. Liquid calcium chloride is being used in a number of states to start the thawing action faster. Tests show that the installation of Verglimit can act as permanent deicer in the pavement and be an effective controller of snow and ice. Calcium magnesium acetate has been identified as the compound with the best chance of successfully providing an alternative to salt. Urea, which can be sprayed from air planes and is noncorrosive, is an effective deicer, although costly.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1519687
• Publication Date: 1987-6

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 30-35
• Serial:
  • Better Roads
  • Volume: 57
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: James Informational Media, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0006-0208
  • Serial URL: http://www.betterroads.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Calcium chloride; Calcium magnesium acetate; Corrosion; Corrosion protection; Costs; Deicers (Equipment); Salts; Sand; Snow and ice control; Urea
• Identifier Terms: Verglimit (Deicing chemical)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Deicers
• Subject Areas: Finance; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Vehicles and Equipment; I62: Winter Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00472130
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 1987 12:00AM