Learning How Deicers Damage Pavements Could Lead to Improved Deicing Products and Methods

Posted: Jan 16, 2025

Research at South Dakota State University could lead to new, less-damaging products and procedures for keeping roads and runways ice free. Chloride-based deicers are essential for ensuring road safety in cold seasons. However, these chemicals adversely affect asphalt pavement durability and may negatively impact pavement structural integrity. The SDSU researchers studied the effects of deicers on various pavements to evaluate the performance characteristics of hot mix asphalt specimens, including rutting, moisture-induced damage, and cracking resistance, when the specimens were subjected to different deicer solutions and freeze-thaw cycles. This improved understanding will help minimize the undesirable effects of deicing agents and freeze-thaw cycles on pavement longevity by helping road agencies select winter maintenance plans that suit the conditions of local asphalt pavements. The work is also a major step toward developing materials and methods to combat moisture and deicer-accelerated pavement distresses.

Rouzbeh Ghabchi, Ph.D.
South Dakota State University

Effect of Deicing Agents and Environmental Conditions on the Performance of Asphalt Pavements in Cold Regions
MPC-24-549