Protocols for Evaluating Liquid Deicer Properties and Performance

Transportation agencies are increasingly using liquid materials for anti-icing and deicing to improve winter road maintenance in a more effective, economical, and environmentally responsible manner. However, objective, standardized methods for evaluating the properties and field performance of these materials do not currently exist. Field evaluations have been inconsistent and subjective, with limited quantitative data to support performance claims. As a result, agencies often rely on vendor information to guide the selection and use of liquid deicers. In addition, many important chemical and physical properties—particularly of organic mixtures—are not well documented or available to end users. Some key performance-related properties lack standard test protocols, making it difficult to model or predict field behavior, optimize application rates, and ensure material quality. The objective of this research is to define and demonstrate laboratory and field protocols for evaluating the properties and performance of liquid deicers, including organic and inorganic materials, to support improved winter maintenance practices.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5853
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $750,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 10-147

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Khosravifar, Sadaf

• Start Date: 20250526
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deicing chemicals; Performance measurement; Test procedures; Winter maintenance
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01956608
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 10-147
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: May 28 2025 2:07PM