ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF BRINE USAGE FOR HIGHWAY PURPOSES

The need for effective, economical de-icing and dust palliation agents combined with availability of large quantities of waste brine in Arkansas led to the investigation of the feasibility of using the waste brine for these purposes on primary and/or secondary roads. The brine contains large concentrations of calcium (32,000 mg/1) and magnesium (3,000 mg/1) which are potentially adantageous for de-icing and dust palliation. The feasibility investigation included both laboratory and field studies were conducted. The effectiveness of the brine as a dust palliative was determined by application of the brine to a test road section. Laboratory studies were used for determining the effectiveness of the brine as a de-icing agent and for determining the effect of the brine on concrete, soil properties, run-off water quality and the corrosion rate of metal. The brine is an effective de-icing and dust palliation agent. Application of the brine in the dosages required for these purposes will have little, if any, observable adverse impact. As with any highly concentrated de-icing or dust palliation agent such as calcium chloride or sodium chloride, the avoidance of major spills or application at very large dosage rates is required to minimize or prevent adverse environmental impact. /Author/

• Record URL:
  • https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/HRC44_Environmental_Aspects_of_Brine_Utilization_in_Highway_Purposes.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department and conducted in cooperation with DOT, Federal Highway Administration.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

  Department of Civil Engineering, 4190 Bell Engineering Center
  Fayetteville, AR  United States  72701
• Authors:
  • Moore, J W
  • Welch, R C
• Publication Date: 1977-8

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 133 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Calcium; Concrete; Corrosion; Deicing chemicals; Dust control; Environmental impacts; Magnesium; Metals; Properties of materials; Runoff; Seawater; Soils
• Uncontrolled Terms: Dust palliatives; Soil properties
• Subject Areas: Environment; Geotechnology; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00178341
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-77- 44 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: HRC-44
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 29 1978 12:00AM