How does chemistry effect our roads in the winter time?

Table of contents

• types of methods of treatment
• How they work
• Most used
• Review

Types of treatments

• Rock Salt(NaCl)
• Sand
• Liquid Calcium Chloride

These materials generally fall into two categories: chemical and inert. Chemical (including salt) distribution induces freezing-point depression, causing ice and snow to melt at a lower temperature. Chemical treatment can be applied as a preventive measure and/or after snowfall. Inert materials (i.e. sand, brash, slag) make the surface irregular to improve traction. Both types can be applied together, but the inert materials tend to lower traction once the snow and ice has melted.

Rock Salt
Chemical used to either break the bond of ice to the pavement or used to prevent it from forming by lowering the freezing point of water.

Sand
Used only in Reduced Salt Zones and at very low temperatures when Rock Salt will not work effectively.

Reduced salt area

Liquid Calcium Chloride
The material works by attracting moisture and releasing heat. When mixed with salt it melts up to eight times as much ice as using salt alone at 20 degrees.

SO what is the most used?

none of these are most used. Road workers rely on accurate weather forecast to determine what treatment to use.

Thanks