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Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

Best Practices > Publications > Publication Titles

Title:

A Bridge Deck Anti-icing System in Virginia: Lessons Learned from a Pilot Study

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the automatic anti-icing spray technology for bridge decks and become familiar with the construction, maintenance, and operations issues involved with such systems. The study evaluates a number of design options for delivery of a liquid chemical to the deck to determine the effectiveness of the options. For the purposes of this report, effectiveness is defined in terms of timeliness of operation, appropriateness of response, achievement of desired results, and a benefit-cost ratio greater than 1. The report recommends that the Virginia DOT consider fixed automatic spray technology (FAST) an option for initial delivery of deicing chemicals to road and bridge travel lanes and develop criteria for prioritizing FAST installations that consider savings for reduced accidents and congestion. Recommendations are also made for nozzle and surface sensor design and location based on lessons learned from the pilot project.

Source(s):

Virginia Transportation Research Council, Prepared for the Virginia DOT and the University of Virginia in cooperation in the FHWA, VTRC 04-R26

http://www.virginiadot.org/vtrc/main/online_reports/pdf/04-r26.pdf

Date: 2004

Author:

Roosevelt

Keywords:


Bridge
Benefit/cost
Winter maintenance

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