Anti-Icing Systems

 

General Description:

Anti-Icing Systems de-ice sections of roadway that become icy and excessively dangerous.  A typical automatic anti-icing system consists of a control system, chemical storage tank, distribution lines, pump, and nozzles.  They may be used with Environmental Sensing Stations (ESS), Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS), and pavement sensors to determine when the system should be used.  Motorists should be informed of the icy conditions through an Ice Warning System.

 

Effects of Solution:

 

¨     Increase Passenger Throughput

¨     Increase Roadway Capacity

þ     Manage System Efficiency (Improves safety of a facility)

¨     Reduce Local Demand

 

Examples of Implementation:

No specific examples within Federal lands available at the time of publication.  See the Additional Resources section for more information.

 

Cost/Financial Information:

Source: Source: United States Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems ITS Benefits, Costs and Lessons Learned Databases.  Available at http://www.benefitcost.its.dot.gov  (Cost/financial information is estimated, and will vary based on size and scope of project, number of units, etc.)

                                                                      

 

Automatic Anti-Icing System

Capital Cost

Operating Cost

 

Short Span

$25K

$2K

 

Long Span

$50-495K

$1.5-29.5K

 

Typical automatic anti-icing systems consist of a control system, chemical storage tank, distribution lines, pump, and nozzles.  Pump and control hardware replaced every 5 years at cost of $3.5K.  

 

Short span systems range from 120 to 180 feet. Operating and maintenance includes system maintenance, utilities, materials, and labor.

 

Long span systems range from 320 feet to greater than 1/2 mile. Operating and maintenance includes system maintenance, utilities, materials, and labor. The high operating cost is for a much larger system; hence, the need for a greater amount of materials.

 

Additional Resources:

 

Virginia Transportation Research Council Bridge Deck Anti-Icing System web page:

http://matrix.vtrc.virginia.edu/DATA/NOVA766/

 

Minnesota Department of Transportation Bridge De-Icing System Fact Sheet:

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/maintenance/Anti-icing%20evaluation.pdf