United States Department of Transportation
i
Evaluation of an alternative deicing chemical vs. conventional sodium chloride.
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2004-07-01
[PDF-4.86 MB]
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Edition:Final report.
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Abstract:A research project was initiated to evaluate the performance and cost effectiveness of a proprietary, pre-blended,
roadway-deicing chemical on New Hampshire highways. The evaluated material is a patented blend of sodium chloride, liquid
magnesium chloride, and cane molasses. The manufacturer reported that the treated salt provided value greater than that of
conventional sodium chloride because a smaller quantity was needed to obtain the same result. This report documents the New
Hampshire Department of Transportation’s (NHDOT) evaluation of the treated salt material and provides a cost comparison
between the test material and straight sodium chloride under normal snow removal and ice control conditions during the 2003-
2004 winter season.
Two NHDOT-maintained roadways were chosen for the evaluation. Each test site was divided into a test section that
was treated with the test material, and a control section that was treated with conventional sodium chloride. Both materials were
applied to the roadway during normal snow removal operations by the same operators using the same NHDOT plow trucks
equipped with conventional sand/salt spreader bodies. Standard NHDOT snow removal and ice control procedures were
followed. Test sections were rotated on a monthly basis to minimize variability.
Although the quantity of treated salt required during the study was less than that of the straight sodium chloride, the
reduction of material was not enough to offset the higher unit cost of the treated salt. On average, the treated salt cost 27 percent
more to use than sodium chloride during the test period.
It is noted that subsequent to the completion of the field phase of this project, the manufacturer reportedly reformulated
the product and released what is referred to as an enhanced deicer. It is believed that the product evaluated during this research is
no longer marketed.
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