State of the art and practice of pavement anti-icing and de-icing techniques

Pavement snow and icing are worldwide problems,but effective countermeasures are just beginning to be developed in China.The two most common snow and ice removal methods are mechanical clearance and chemical melting,and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed here,including environmental and structural damage caused by corrosive snow melting agents.New developments in chemical melting agents and mechanical equipment are discussed,and an overview of alternative thermal melting systems is presented,including the use of geothermy and non-geothermal heating systems utilizing solar energy,electricity,conductive pavement materials,and infrared/microwave applications.Strategic recommendations are made for continued enhancement of public safety in snow and ice conditions.