Date of Award

Winter 2016

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Civil Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Thomas P Ballestero

Second Advisor

Alison W Watts

Third Advisor

Ann M Scholz

Abstract

Porous asphalt is designed to filter water through pavement and, as such, it behaves differently than traditional dense mix asphalt commonly used today. Dense mix asphalts are designed to act as a barrier to water penetration. Due to these differences, porous asphalt has created challenges in colder climates with respect to deicing operations. It has been found that the traditional deicing method of applying rock salt is not as compelling on porous surfaces because much of the salt remains days after a storm event. This study presents the findings of deicing an active porous asphalt parking lot using liquid reduced chloride or non-chloride deicers under winter storm conditions. Analyses include measurements of pavement surface temperature, snow and ice cover, and skid resistance. Three liquid reduced or non-chloride deicers were introduced and tested during this study: Potassium Acetate (non-chloride), Beet and Brine (reduced-chloride), and Beet and Water (non-chloride). The three liquid deicers were found to be effective during this study, producing results similar to that of rock salt used on impermeable asphalt. Solar impacts were found to play a major role in the effectiveness of the deicers during this study and past related studies, and were confirmed visually. A comparison of deicer costs is presented.

Share

COinS