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NS770: Assessing the chloride impacts on the pavement structure
Problem and objectives
Many local agencies utilize chloride compounds to keep roadways clear during the winter snow and ice control season. While this is effective for keeping the roads clear, there are concerns related to the use of chlorides that remain in the environment. There is concern that chloride use could potentially damage pavements, either at the surface or resulting from the moisture retained in the aggregate base or subgrade.
The focus of this project is to understand the impact use of winter maintenance chlorides has on the roadway materials and performance. To do so, the research team will:
- Conduct a literature review on the impact of chloride on pavement materials and performance
- Survey local agencies to identify potential case study locations where this phenomenon is occurring and determine prevalence. Case studies should consider various pavement structure types (with surfaces including traditional, chip seal, wearing course, etc.), temperatures, and treatment techniques and materials being used by local agencies in Minnesota.
- Conduct tests and analysis to determine the impact that chlorides have on the pavement structure for the identified case study locations.
- Develop technical guidance to identify pavement damage from winter maintenance chloride use and potential preventative measures for addressing it
Suggested deliverables
- Research report detailing study findings
- A guidebook detailing the impact of chloride seepage on pavement materials and pavement structure and potential preventative measures to mitigate the issues
Expected benefits
The numbers 1 and 2 indicate whether the source of the benefit measurement is from:
- A specific research task in your project that supports measuring this particular benefit, or
- Implementation of the research findings (anticipating positive results)
- Decrease Lifecycle Costs:(2)
Use this work to inform winter maintenance techniques that minimize damage to the pavement structure. - Environmental Aspect: (2)
Identify viable implementation alternatives that minimize the effects of chloride on the pavement structure. - Increase Lifecycle: (2)
Implementation of results expected to support longer pavement life through chloride use management. - Operation and Maintenance Saving: (2)
Results may support ways to reduce or better manage treatments and pavement maintenance for a variety of pavements.
Possible members for technical advisory panel
- Kory Johnson, Itasca County
- Owen Todd, Bolton-Menk
- Brian Pogodzinski, Houston County
- Tom Peters, MnDOT Maintenance
- John Garrity, MnDOT OMRR
- Maria Masten, MnDOT OMRR
Previous research
Download the Literature search.