Alternative Deicer Performance Characterization: Know Before the Snow

Status: Complete
Report Date: 02/09/2026

Summary:

Rock salt loses its effectiveness at deicing roads in colder temperatures. In these conditions, winter maintenance managers often combine salt with an alternative deicer. However, these managers lack information and data on optimizing the use of alternative deicers at different temperatures. In this project, investigators evaluated varying ratios of alternative deicer with rock salt in both the laboratory and in the field to provide guidance to winter maintenance managers. The findings will offer direction for the efficient use of alternative deicers that will enhance their effectiveness on the road while balancing the cost and environmental impact.

Final Deliverables:

Alternative Deicer Performance Characterization: Know Before The Snow (Report #2026-09)
Addendum: On-Pavement Field Comparison, Second Winter (Report #2026-09add)
Evaluating the Use of a Common Alternative Deicer (Research Summary)

Related Materials:

New Project: Alternative Deicer Performance Characterization: Know Before the Snow (Blog Post)

Related Research:

Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator: Stephen Druschel

Co-Principal Investigator: Emily Stallbaumer-Cyr

Technical Liaison: Joseph Huneke

Project Coordinator: Barbara Fraley