This project tests and evaluates SHRP snow and ice technology products in five major areas: snowplow cutting edges, snow fences, roadway weather information systems, anti-icing technologies, and de-icing chemicals. The project provides an opportunity for States to test and evaluate better-designed snowplows, improved storm forecasting and communication methods, and more efficient and effective snow and ice removal and control methods.

The primary products emerging from this SHRP technology area are design guides, a manual of practice for anti-icing operations, research reports, handbooks, evaluation methodologies, and improved snow removal equipment. Guidelines have been developed for evaluating equipment, materials, and methods for utilizing anti-icing technology. FHWA's implementation effort involving SHRP technology has three parts:

1. Anti-icing Technology developed through a technical services support agreement with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory CRREL).
2. Showcasing contract, incorporating workshops, field test and evaluation, and equipment loans.
3. Field Testing and Evaluation through work orders with State highway agencies.

A showcase contract provided for 12 workshops which focused on winter maintenance technologies. The workshops introduced the winter maintenance technologies and strategies which were developed under the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) and described how they can be utilized to improve winter maintenance operations.

Work orders were established with 14 State highway agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of SHRP winter maintenance techniques and products including Road Weather Information System, Prewetted fine graded salt for anti-icing operations, Snow plow cutting edge and the snow scoop. Five other technologies are being evaluated including automated bridge deck liquid deicer, rear discharge snow blower, friction measurements, thermal mapping and auto avalanche hazard reduction.

Following standard work order procedures, States may participate in field tests and evaluations of selected products. Technical assistance will be available to guide participants on proper application and evaluation of products/technology. Limited funding is available.

In addition the FHWA supports an outreach effort under which National Anti-Icing experts and Pioneer practitioners conduct field visits to State highway agencies and local Governments who are interested in developing anti-icing programs or improving their knowledge in this area. The purpose of these visits is to provide hands-on training with the latest winter maintenance technologies and strategies.

Based on the results of TE-28, a guide entitled "Manual of practice for an effective anti-icing program" was developed and disseminated to the highway community. Also 2 video tapes "What is Anti-icing" and "Anti-icing for maintenance personnel" were developed. The manual and video tapes provide information for successful implementation of an effective anti-icing program. They describe the significant factors that should be understood and must be addressed in an anti-icing program. These documents may be obtained from FHWA's Research and Technology Report Center (301) 577-0818.

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HIGHWAYTECHNET   VIRTUAL EXPO   PAVEMENTS INDEX

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U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration