Future Technology for Disbonding Snow and Ice from Pavements

by Albert F. Wuori, Michigan Technological Univ, Houghton, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Cold Regions Engineering

Abstract:

Current techniques to remove ice and compacted snow from pavement surfaces are costly because they needlessly crush or melt most of the ice layer. Also, in many cases they do not accomplish disbonding or clear the ice to the pavement interface. In addition, deicing chemicals currently in use (salts) are environmentally objectionable. More efficient alternatives to current physical and chemical methods are needed which will apply energy selectively to the ice - pavement interface to accomplish disbonding and which are environmentally acceptable. This paper reviews some new techniques of disbonding ice. Pavement modifications include differences in surface texture or composition; one example being a rubber additive to create a more flexible pavement surface to facilitate disbonding under traffic loads. Noncontact methods include electromagnetic radiation, abrasive air and liquid jets, acoustic waves, and application of pressurized deicer directly to the ice-pavement interface. Also described are analyses and experiments to develop a more energy efficient cutting edge for snow plows which may include auxiliary force augmentation.

Subject Headings: Ice | Pavements | Pavement design | Surface waves | Snowmelt | Snow loads | Deicing

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