Basis for application of new-generation anti-icing materials as an efficient way to reduce the accident rate on roads in winter

Abstract

Abstract The use of advanced anti-icing materials is important to ensure and maintain the maximum traffic capacity, decrease the accident rate on motor roads exposed to adverse weather conditions in winter. The primary issue in applying these materials deals with ensuring the required traffic safety, therefore, these materials should undergo diagnostics before they can be recommended for use, and, subsequently, the condition of motor roads should be assessed. The diagnostic information obtained allows for comprehensive assessment of road operating conditions representing the most important factor in evaluating road pavement safety, especially in winter. The study addresses the issue of providing the basis for application of anti-icing materials to ensure the required safety on roads in winter. The study is focuses on road pavement operating conditions in winter, and the potential of using the new-generation anti-icing Nordway material and sand-and-salt mixture traditionally used in Russia’s periphery. As a result, due to the use of the new-generation anti-icing material, primary indicators of traffic safety assurance in winter are established. A full-scale experiment using the material under study is performed, primary cohesive properties for the experimental section of the road pavement are determined. Data on the braking distance variance in winter are gathered. A comparative analysis is carried out for a similar data set when using the traditional material, when using the tested material (of new generation) and without applying any materials. The most efficient way to reduce the accident rate on roads in winter using one of the anti-icing materials studied is established.