WTI

Testing Methodology for Performance Characteristics and Friction Coefficient of Deicing and Anti-icing Chemicals

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE ANTI-ICING AND DEICING COMPOUNDS MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE AS BASELINE DEICERS - PHASE I
   1. 1. Xianming Shi, Laura Fay, Chase Gallaway, Kevin Volkening, Marijean M. Peterson, Tongyan Pan, Andrew Creighton, Collins Lawlor, Stephanie Mumma, Yajun Liu, and Tuan Anh Nguyen
   2. 4W3026_Final_Report.pdf

Project Objective

The purpose of this project is to conduct a thorough analysis of test methods and available literature and make recommendations to design a single or suite of laboratory tests that will predict the actual field performance of deicers in a variety of meteorological and pavement conditions.

Project Abstract

New laboratory tests, tools or methods are needed to evaluate the performance and friction coefficient of deicing chemicals in conditions that replicate the actual roadway. Laboratory tests have been developed to measure eutectic curves, ice melting capacity, ice penetration, ice undercutting, environmental effects, corrosion and other chemical characteristics of deicing chemicals and blends, but none have been developed that effectively and consistently replicate the real world. Decision makers need better information about the influence of traffic, meteorological parameters, pavement temperature, pavement type and condition, the physical and chemical properties of deicers, and application rates on the performance and friction coefficient of deicing chemicals.

Task Descriptions

1. Provide Project Management
   1. The multi-disciplinary research team led by WTI’s principal investigator will provide project management throughout the project, including keeping the Clear Roads Technical Advisory Committee apprised of project progress and issues that may require direction through quarterly progress reports and teleconferences.
2. Comprehensive Literature Search
   1. Available literature will be reviewed to survey the state of the practice and the state of the art related to this project, focusing on laboratory tests, tools, and methods used to assess the physical characteristics of deicing chemicals and the effects of meteorological parameters on performance and friction coefficient. This literature search will also investigate previous attempts to correlate laboratory tests to field performance. A concerted effort will be made to look for laboratory testing methods used in fields similar to winter maintenance operations and for methods that are proven in other fields that could provide beneficial information.
3. Analysis and Recommendations
   1. The final task of this project will consist of an analysis of the literature presented in Task 2 and will provide recommendations on tests, tools, and methodologies for evaluating deicer performance and friction coefficient that will most likely succeed at recreating actual field conditions, as well as address the cost associated with test development and cost effectiveness. These recommendations will provide the basis for future Phases II and III in which laboratory test methods and/or apparatuses will be developed and tested, and then correlated with field testing. The results of the literature search and analysis will be of interest not only to Clear Roads members, but will provide a usable document for the winter maintenance community.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

False

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Deicer performance, lab and field testing, friction testing

Partners

Clear Roads, WisDOT