Correlating lab and field tests for evaluation of deicing and anti-icing chemicals: A review of potential approaches

Abstract

Numerous laboratory and field studies have been conducted to evaluate the performance of deicing and anti-icing products and the resulting friction coefficient of treated pavement. However, laboratory results often do not translate to the field performance due to varying temperatures, wind, traffic, etc. in actual field conditions. Also, the existing laboratory tests fail to address all the significant issues in the actual field environment or to provide actual performance of deicers to guide practitioners. This study sheds light on the challenges of developing a laboratory test that correlates to the field results and the results from the literature review and practitioner interviews may assist in developing a test method that would better mimic the actual deicer performance. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.