Optimization and testing of highway materials to mitigate ice adhesion

Field tests at the WSU Pavement Test Facility augment BBRC laboratory tests with comparative results. Factors of concern included pavement type, tire type, environment and toxicity, wear, ice/snow adhesion and asphalt overlays which included the substances as a component of the mix. Although the winter conditions were mild, the limited amount of tests and data did allow a ranking based on skid resistance change, water beading, and snow/ice removal properties of the different formulations. The most effective formulations were combinations of modified traffic paints and room-temperature-curing silicone rubber. Of the formulations tested only one was deemed toxic.