| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Ann Overton , (434) 293-1912 Ann.Overton@VDOT.Virginia.gov Sande Snead , (804) 225-4491 |
CO-06vtrc Feb. 10, 2006 |
VDOT RESEARCHERS EVALUATING NEW DEICING TECHNOLOGY
Bridge overlay may reduce ice, snow buildup
Charlottesville, VA, Feb. 10, 2006 – Winter driving could get safer and less slippery for Virginians in the future – if a new deicing technology the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC) is investigating on behalf of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) proves successful.
During this winter and next (2006 and 2007), VTRC researchers will evaluate a new bridge overlay capable of reducing ice and snow buildup on bridge driving surfaces. Test locations for the product are on bridges at mile markers 219 and 239 on Interstate 81 in Augusta and Rockingham counties, respectively. VDOT installed the overlay in the fall.
This epoxy overlay is unique because it includes a 3/8-inch aggregate layer that absorbs, stores and slowly releases, over several snow events, deicing chemicals that could decrease ice buildup on the bridge surface. Such surface materials generally extend the life of bridge decks. This specific aggregate-chemical combination has the potential to minimize snow and ice-related crashes on bridges as well.
The innovative limestone aggregate allows commonly used salt-brine deicing solution to “penetrate the pores of the aggregate like a sponge,” according to Michael Sprinkel, Materials associate director at VTRC, who is overseeing the project.
Standard epoxy bridge overlays consist of a silica-basalt aggregate, which does not have this limestone aggregate’s absorption capabilities. Epoxy overlays provide a low-cost, light-weight protective surface that usually can handle traffic three hours after application and have a service life of 15 to 25 years.
The average cost of applying this product is about 30 percent more than standard epoxy overlays. The additional cost is offset, however, by the fewer applications required throughout the winter.
This product has been successfully tested on bridges in the upper Midwest and is now being tested by transportation departments in several northeastern and southern states including Virginia. There have been no crashes in two years on a Wisconsin bridge using the deicing technology. Scientists at Michigan Technological University’s Keweenaw Research Center originally developed this aggregate.
The Virginia Transportation Research Council is a partnership of VDOT and the University of Virginia and is based in Charlottesville.
During this winter and next (2006 and 2007), VTRC researchers will evaluate a new bridge overlay capable of reducing ice and snow buildup on bridge driving surfaces. Test locations for the product are on bridges at mile markers 219 and 239 on Interstate 81 in Augusta and Rockingham counties, respectively. VDOT installed the overlay in the fall.
This epoxy overlay is unique because it includes a 3/8-inch aggregate layer that absorbs, stores and slowly releases, over several snow events, deicing chemicals that could decrease ice buildup on the bridge surface. Such surface materials generally extend the life of bridge decks. This specific aggregate-chemical combination has the potential to minimize snow and ice-related crashes on bridges as well.
The innovative limestone aggregate allows commonly used salt-brine deicing solution to “penetrate the pores of the aggregate like a sponge,” according to Michael Sprinkel, Materials associate director at VTRC, who is overseeing the project.
Standard epoxy bridge overlays consist of a silica-basalt aggregate, which does not have this limestone aggregate’s absorption capabilities. Epoxy overlays provide a low-cost, light-weight protective surface that usually can handle traffic three hours after application and have a service life of 15 to 25 years.
The average cost of applying this product is about 30 percent more than standard epoxy overlays. The additional cost is offset, however, by the fewer applications required throughout the winter.
This product has been successfully tested on bridges in the upper Midwest and is now being tested by transportation departments in several northeastern and southern states including Virginia. There have been no crashes in two years on a Wisconsin bridge using the deicing technology. Scientists at Michigan Technological University’s Keweenaw Research Center originally developed this aggregate.
The Virginia Transportation Research Council is a partnership of VDOT and the University of Virginia and is based in Charlottesville.
Page last modified: Feb. 10, 2006
