Snow and Ice Control Materials for Texas Roads; VOLUME 1: Literature and Best Practices Review; VOLUME 2: Field Trials and Laboratory Study

016533042017PDFTech ReportFHWA/TX-17-0-6793-10-6793-10-6793-1 \u2013 Vol. 10-6793-1 \u2013 Vol. 2FHWA/TX-17-0-6793-1 \u2013 Vol. 1FHWA/TX-17-0-6793-1 \u2013 Vol. 20-6793Best practicesBrinesCorrosionCostsEnvironmental impactsLiterature reviewsSnow and ice controlWinter maintenanceAlternatives analysisAnti-icingDeicing chemicalsField testsLaboratory testsSaltsHighwaysMaintenance and PreservationMaterialsSnow and IceWinter Roadway MaintenanceRoad SaltBrineMeltDown 20MeltDown ApexAbrasivesDurabilityCorrosionEnvironmental ImpactField TrialsCost AnalysisSide-by-Side ComparisonUnited StatesTexasTexas Tech University. Center for Multidisciplinary Research in TransportationJackson, AndrewRainwater, KenLawson, William D.Senadheera, SanjayaLiang, Daan{51291}Surles, JamesMorse, AudraYan, WeileTexas Tech University. Center for Multidisciplinary Research in TransportationTexas. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Technology Implementation OfficeUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionThis report provides findings from a four-year research study of snow and ice control materials for winter weather roadway maintenance applications in Texas. The report is presented in two volumes. Volume 1 is a literature review and best practices review of snow and ice control materials both nationally and statewide, addressing material application and effectiveness, the availability and usability of Texas brines, durability impacts (corrosion) on infrastructure, environmental impacts and regulations, and a detailed cost analysis of TxDOT\u2019s current usage of snow and ice control materials. Volume 2 presents findings from side-by-side comparison of selected snow and ice control chemicals through field trials and laboratory testing. Key findings are (1) the effectiveness of TxDOT\u2019s maintenance response to winter weather is a direct function of TxDOT having a clearly-articulated strategy for responding to winter weather, both for typical climate and extreme winter storm events for all regions of the state; (2) geologic brines for snow and ice control include natural brine, manufactured brine, and produced brine related to oilfield operations, and all three must be tested and approved to be considered for widespread use; (3) TxDOT\u2019s current snow and ice control chemicals include granular road salt, salt brine, MeltDown 20\uae, and MeltDown Apex\u2122, all of which are chlorides, and, notwithstanding TxDOT\u2019s comparatively low application rates and application frequencies, may potentially cause long-term infrastructure durability impacts; (4) environmental regulations and literature suggest minimal added risk to the environment associated with TxDOT\u2019s current usage of snow and ice control chemicals; (5) under typical Texas winter weather and road conditions, at manufacturer\u2019s recommended application rates, granular road salt performed comparably to or better than MeltDown 20\uae at lower cost per lane mile and similarly, salt brine performed comparably to MeltDown Apex\u2122 with the added benefit that salt brine does not create a slick pavement surface for anti-icing when applied at temperatures above freezing; and (6) cost savings associated with TxDOT\u2019s snow and ice operations can be achieved through standardized selection of materials, improved operational efficiency, better risk management practices, and use of performance-based models for snow and ice control