The existing laboratory tests are limited in their ability to predict field performance and friction coefficient of deicers for several reasons. Traffic, humidity, pavement temperature and condition, presence of solar or thermal radiation, and active precipitation and wind are all factors that are often overlooked in lab tests. Most importantly, previous studies are not typically correlated to results from field tests.

Test methods identified during the extensive literature search will provide a more complete picture of previous research. Field tests will also be reviewed to determine additional field parameters that may play a role in deicer performance and friction coefficient.  A thorough analysis of the literature is the first step to designing a single or suite of laboratory tests that will predict the actual field performance of deicers in a variety of meteorological and pavement conditions.

This project will provide information on laboratory and field test methods that quantify deicer performance and the friction coefficient. The provided information will be foundation for Phases II and III of this research project in which laboratory and field methods that quantify deicer performance and friction coefficients will be selected, developed if necessary and tested.  Laboratory results will then be correlated with results from the field.