Evaluation of the Impact of Anti-Icing Solution on Concrete Durability

Abstract

Winter roadway maintenance is based on applying salt to the surface of the pavement in order to lower the freezing point and break the bond of snow and ice to improve traction and safety. Conventional winter maintenance involves applying solid salt (rock salt) to the pavement prior to and during snow events. However, this conventional winter pavement method is not only expensive and repetitive (due to the increased number of cycles of freezing and thawing) but it is also seen by transportation agencies as not so responsible and sustainable practice in terms of environmental impact, maintenance and infrastructure damage. The process of anti-icing works through the application of the liquid anti-icing brine to the dry pavement surface prior to a storm event to prevent the formation or development of bonded snow and ice. The proactive anti-icing strategy provides a 34% reduction in the overall salt application while maintaining the same or better level of service (Claros et al. 2020). This study aims to analyze the influence of anti-icing solutions on concrete by examining the extent of chemical penetration. The primary focus is to determine the freeze-thaw durability and concentration of salt in concrete samples. In essence, the research intends to establish a correlation between the salt mass balance and the effectiveness of modern, high-performance concrete. Research findings confirm that the use of de-icing treatment necessitates a lower amount of chlorides, leading to cost savings and limiting the penetration of chloride ions into the concrete. This approach also enhances the durability of the concrete, surpassing the performance of solid salt, thereby reducing the need for long-term maintenance. Furthermore, this method promotes the safety of road users, making it a preferable choice. As a result, anti-icing treatment is strongly recommended.