United States Department of Transportation
i
Comparison tests of liquid calcium and salt brine : a controlled experimental evaluation of rock salt pre-wetting liquids.
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2003-10-01
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Abstract:The Maine Department of Transportation, like other state transportation agencies in the northern U.S.,
utilizes solid salt to maintain bare pavement condition on its roads and bridges during winter. In recent
years more emphasis has been placed on anti-icing and deicing strategies. MDOT has also experimented
with liquid deicers. Anti-icing strategies for winter storm treatments include early application of ice-melting chemicals to prevent the bonding (freezing-on) of ice and snow to the pavement. Research has
shown that it is more cost-effective to treat the roads early to prevent this bonding. Several studies,
including MDOT research in Cumberland & Yarmouth, show that 25-30% less salt (per lane mile) is
required to return the roads to a bare condition using anti-icing and deicing strategies. Research has also
shown that liquid chemicals such as salt brine and liquid calcium speed up the melting action because
water is available to “jump start” the melting action. The mixing of liquid chemicals with solid chemicals
has another beneficial effect. This procedure, called pre-wetting, reduces the bounce and scatter of the
material as it exits the spreader behind the truck. This serves to keep the solid salt on the pavement and
not scattered to the side of the road where it is wasted.
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