District Highway Maintenance Research On-Call (ROC) - Evaluation of New Technologies for Tracking Distribution of Deicing Materials

Abstract Evaluation of New Technologies for Tracking Distribution of Deicing Materials Currently, ODOT is not accurately tracking the amount of liquid that is applied to the road surface during snow and ice events. Finding a more accurate and reliable pump would provide consistent information back to the operator and managers of the county. This would improve reliability, allowing operators to dispense material at values that will guarantee they can complete their routes before running out of material. It would result in a faster, safer, and more efficient response time to the motoring public during a snow and ice event. Tasks: 1. Evaluate ODOT’s current process for prewetting and identify areas for mechanical improvement. 2. Develop evaluation criteria for truck-mounted liquid pumps. 3. Create a cost benefit matrix that comparing the cost, accuracy and life expectancy of the pumps. 4. Make system recommendations.