Evaluation of Calcium-Chloride Maintained, Traffic-Bound Roads

Calcium chloride has been used on unpaved road surfaces for over fifty years. Originally, it was used as a dust palliative and later as a stabilizing agent. Observations have shown that traffic-bound roads containing well-graded aggregate and sufficient binder tend to have smooth, stable surfaces. While the binder remains in a damp, cohesive state, the road surface remains in a smooth, compact condition. If the surface becomes dry, dusting and attrition becomes pronounced. Therefore, for a properly constructed traffic-bound base to remain in smooth, stable condition, it is essential that the surface remain damp. Calcium chloride, being a hygroscopic and deliquescent material, will absorb and retain moisture in a properly constructed traffic-bound base. These properties have favored its use as a stabilizing agent in traffic-bound bases