Snow and Ice Treatment Products Evaluation

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Maintenance Division uses different materials to reduce the negative impact of snow and ice on the friction performance of state travelways. These materials include abrasives (sand or cinders), rock salt (sodium chloride), and other chemical deicers that emerged in recent years. The use of chemicals and abrasives (in addition to plowing) for highway winter maintenance operations is an essential strategy for ensuring a reasonably high level of service, yet the performance of such materials has to be balanced with their cost effectiveness, and potentially detrimental effects on transportation infrastructure, the natural environment, and motor vehicles. 

Currently, there are considerable data gaps when it comes to the quantification of their performance and impacts and comprehensive assessment for decision making. This study conducted a comprehensive and quantitative evaluation of snow and ice control chemicals currently used by various MoDOT districts for highway maintenance operations based on laboratory tests. An evaluation matrix to assess the cost-effectiveness and potential impacts under a holistic and multi-criteria framework was developed. The results indicated that products #5 (“Clear Lane” Produce), #7 (Calcium Chloride (liquid) Treated Rock Salt) and #3 (“Snow Slicer” Treated Rock Salt) scored above 60 out of 100. Product #5 with a score of 67 is the first priority, then product #7 with a score of 66 is the second priority, and finally product #3 with a score of 64 is the third priority.

VIEW FINAL REPORT

Report number: cmr 21-009
Published: December 2021
Project number: TR202002
Authors: Jenny Liu, Jun Liu, Xianming Shi, and Mehdi Honarvarnazari 

Performing organization: Missouri University of Science & Technology and Washington State University