Evaluation of the Effect of De-icing Chemicals on Performance of Airport Concrete Pavement under Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Abstract

Weather conditions such as rainfall and freeze-thaw cycles affect the pavement performance of airports; therefore, methods such as using de-icing chemicals are considered in order to maintain the normal condition of the airport runway. In addition to the above factors, de-icing chemicals play an important role in pavement performance and the damage caused to it due to their chemical nature. Therefore, investigating the effect of de-icing chemicals and determining the appropriate material to maintain the airport's pavement is a priority for engineers. In this study, the effect of three de-icing chemicals, sodium chloride, potassium acetate, and ethylene glycol (at concentrations of 23.3%, 49%, and 69.07%, respectively) on skid resistance (The British Pendulum Test (BPT) and The Road Test Machine (RTM)) and the mechanical properties (Compressive Strength Test) of the concrete under Freezing and Thawing Cycle were investigated. The BPT test results showed that sodium chloride resulted in better skid resistance than other chemicals when the number of cycles is more than 100 cycles. This result was also obtained for all cycles in the RTM test. Also, ethylene glycol was not suitable for improving skid resistance based on BPT and RTM tests. Furthermore, the results of the compressive strength of concrete mixtures showed that the de-icing chemicals reduced the compressive strength of concrete mixtures. Based on all the results, sodium chloride had better results than other chemicals.