The Deleterious Chemical Effects of Concentrated Deicing Solutions on Portland Cement Concrete

Introduction Safety and mobility are key concerns for State Highway Agencies (SHAs), especially during the winter season when ice and snow accumulation on roads and bridges can create hazardous or impassable driving conditions. Various chemicals, including magnesium, sodium, and calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate and urea, are used by SHAs as anti-icing and deicing solutions on transportation infrastructure. The effectiveness of these chemicals for deicing and anti-icing has been demonstrated. However, the possible detrimental effects to concrete in transportation structures have not been fully examined and documented. Although these chemicals offer possible cost savings advantages to SHAs, the true cost effectiveness cannot be determined without establishing the potential for chemical attack and premature deterioration leading to costly rehabilitation or replacement. The goal of this study was to examine the chemical effects of deicing and antiicing chemicals on portland cement concrete and to recommend changes to concrete mixture designs, construction practices, and winter maintenance procedures that will not compromise the concrete durability.