Unpaved roads stabilization and maintenance under ice-snow conditions in mountain areas

Abstract

Traffic and climate conditions are well known variables that define the road cycle of life. Some unpaved roads located in mountain areas should be kept open as much as possible throughout the year, since they are part of important industrial works and because of the economical impact its closing could cause. Permanent traffic of heavy-duty vehicles in addition to extreme snow and ice condition increase deterioration of these roads significantly. Thus, stabilization processes of the road pavement are performed to reduce the potential damage they will be subject to, achieving in turn effective control on ice and snow. This article focuses on a synthesis and discussion about the use of stabilizing agents in this kind of roads, both in Chile and in other countries.