Estimating the Application Rate for Liquid Chloride Products Based on Residual Salt Concentration on the Pavement

The goal of this project is to determine and document the residual salt concentration on pavement after initial application of salt and salt brine during snow and ice control operations, and then recommend modified application rates for salt and salt brine for various temperatures based on the residual salt concentration on the pavement.

Application rate plays a vital role in efficiently melting snow and ice, and preventing ice from bonding to the pavement surface, to achieve a defined Level of Service (LOS) for winter maintenance of roads.  However, very few studies have attempted to recommend application rates that also consider the residual salt concentration on the pavement.   The goal of this project is to determine and document the residual salt concentration on pavement after initial application of salt and salt brine during snow and ice control operations, and then recommend modified application rates for salt and salt brine for various temperatures based on the residual salt concentration on the pavement. The findings from the study will help winter maintenance agencies reduce salt usage while meeting the defined Level of Service. In addition, findings will contribute to environmentally sustainable policies and reduce the salt usage (snow and ice control products) into the environment.