Use of real-time dust monitoring and surface condition to evaluate success of unpaved road treatments

Transportation Research Record
By: , and 

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Abstract

Fugitive dust from unpaved roads creates human health hazards, degrades road surfaces, and increases the cost of road maintenance. As a result, many different chemical treatments are applied to unpaved roads in an attempt to control dust and stabilize the wearing course. However, investigations of the effectiveness of these treatments have often been poorly planned or executed. The objective of this study was to use a combination of real-time dust monitoring and objective road condition evaluations to assess the success of two chemical treatments for a period of 19?months post-application, to provide quantitative information in support of road management decisions. Dust production from road sections treated with calcium chloride-based durablend-C™ or the synthetic fluid EnviroKleen® was monitored on five dates using a vehicle-mounted particulate matter meter. Both products reduced dust by up to 99% relative to an untreated control section during the monitoring period, and quantitative data from the meter were consistent with qualitative observations of dust conditions. Linear models of dust production indicated that road treatment and humidity explained 69% of the variation in dust over time. Road sections treated with either product developed less rutting and fewer potholes than the untreated control. Overall, the combination of real-time dust monitoring and surface condition evaluation was an effective approach for generating quantitative data on endpoints of interest to road managers.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Use of real-time dust monitoring and surface condition to evaluate success of unpaved road treatments
Series title Transportation Research Record
DOI 10.1177/0361198118799167
Volume 2672
Issue 52
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher Sage Publications
Contributing office(s) Columbia Environmental Research Center
Description 10 p.
First page 195
Last page 204
Country United States
State Missouri
Other Geospatial Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
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