Road Weather Management Program
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Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

Title:

Temperature and Humidity Effects on the Co-Efficient of Friction Value After Application of Liquid Anti-icing Chemicals

Abstract:

Experiments were carried out in May to August, 1999 in Kamloops, B.C. in a purpose-oriented climate-controlled test facility. The tests were necessary to fully establish the reliance of various anti-icing chemicals on temperature and humidity; specifically to determine what role these, and other factors, play on the road co-efficient of friction. Initially, the facility was run within the limits of 30 to 50 percent humidity, and -1 to 10 degrees Celsius. Later, testing was performed at humidity levels in the lower range, (between 20 and 40 percent, with temperature held constant at 5 degrees Celsius). Originally, four pure chemicals were tested. These included magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate and sodium chloride. Additionally, the following chemicals were tested: Ice Stop and Ice Stop 2000, MCP De-Icer, LiquiDow Armor, FreezGard 0, FreezGard 0 and TEA, FreezGard 0 and SHIELD LS, and finally, FreezGard 0 and Ice Ban.

Source(s):

Forensic Dynamics, Inc., www.wsdot.wa.gov/partners/pns/pdf/slicknessrpt.pdf

http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/12000/12400/12446/slicknessrpt.pdf

Date: 1999

Author:

Leggett

Keywords:


Air temperature
Humidity
Pavement friction

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