CMA HAS UNIQUE ROLE IN DEICING STRATEGY

The article describes a 4-year observation of calcium magnesium acetate deicers that shows that the product is a viable alternative to salt in some situations, if used correctly. When mixed with snow, CMA becomes hydrated, gaining water as it dissolves. This action inhibits snow particles adhering to each other or to the road. This snow remains light and dry compared to the heavier, slushy snow created by the salt's briming action. CMA stops working at about 10 deg F, while salt stops at 20 deg F. The lower free-water content of CMA-treated snow explains how CMA helps prevent refreezing and pack formation at lower temperatures. The reasons why CMA performs well in the field but is judged marginal in laboratory tests are discussed. The storage and handling requirements of CMA are discussed.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/11660022
• Corporate Authors:

  Scranton Gillette Communications

  380 E Northwest Highway, Suite 200
  Des Planes, IL  United States  60016-2282
• Authors:
  • Fritzsche, C J
• Publication Date: 1991-6

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 43
• Serial:
  • Roads & Bridges
  • Volume: 29
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: Scranton Gillette Communications
  • ISSN: 8750-9229
  • Serial URL: http://www.roadsbridges.com/rb/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Calcium magnesium acetate; Deicers (Equipment); Deicing chemicals; Performance
• Uncontrolled Terms: Deicers
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Vehicles and Equipment; I62: Winter Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00610825
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 1991 12:00AM