In the past, asphalt cutback was used to help prepare a roadbed before paving. Unfortunately, this admixture of asphalt cement and petroleum solvent could often prove hazardous to the local environment. This could be especially disconcerting if seasonal rainfall caused the asphalt cutback to wash out into the local watershed. Not only could this lead to pollution concerns, significant rainfall... read more »

Unpaved roads play a wide variety of roles throughout the United States, as well as in developing countries. Many of these roads are responsible for the transportation of goods to job sites, mines and remote locations as well as remote communities. When an unpaved roadbed is compromised by frost heaves, potholes and general degradation it can damage equipment and limit... read more »

Dust palliatives are used to control fugitive dust originating from unpaved surfaces. There are dozens of types and brands of dust palliatives. The most common types range from plain water, surfactants, chlorides, synthetic polymers, vegetable oils (soybean oil, sugar beet oil), bentonite clays, lignosulfonates, paraffinic (mineral) oils, petroleum resins, engineered modified asphalt emulsions (Earthbind®), etc. Most dust control palliatives claim... read more »

Countries, municipalities and corporations around the globe continue to become more ecologically conscious. Not only does this apply to technology and product manufacturing, it also includes lessening the impact of hazardous chemicals on the environment. Many rural and developing areas throughout the world rely on people, goods and services that are transported on unpaved roads. Fugitive dust, potholes and other... read more »

Magnesium and calcium chloride are commonly used as a dust suppressant agent on unpaved roads in the western parts of the United States during the spring and summer. Likewise, chlorides are used extensively for deicing/anti-icing on paved roads during the winter. Chlorides are often used as a dust control agent since they are hygroscopic and deliquescent -- the ability to... read more »

If you operate a road construction, road maintenance operation, or provide municipal services in rural locations, then you are likely aware of the need for maintaining unpaved roadbeds. This often also includes dust control measures to address safety and air quality concerns. Unfortunately, water truck application can be costly in manhours, fuel, and possible water sourcing. At the same time,... read more »

Unpaved roadbeds are typically composed of a combination of gravel, sand, aggregate stone, local soil, and other small particles. Throughout the course of a year, weather and seasonal changes can gradually start to affect the relationship between these various components. Rainfall, dry conditions, the changes of seasons, and the freeze-thaw effect can cause an unpaved roadbed to develop potholes, ruts,... read more »

Fugitive dust particles can be a serious safety concern for unpaved roads in rural locations, as well as mining sites, and other industries. When dust control goes unaddressed, people and vehicles can be harmed, causing excessive costs and possible loss of life. In many locations, water truck application can be cost-prohibitive. While chloride-based agents can help prevent dust from escaping... read more »

In the past, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride have been perceived as cost-effective measures for controlling dust on unpaved roads. At the time, they were preferable to water truck dispersal, as the chloride agents required less total man-hours in the application. In some regions, water access could also have been an issue. Unfortunately, chloride-based dust control agents also have their... read more »

Fugitive dust emanating from an unpaved road is widely known as being a costly nuisance. However, many people are not aware that the same small soil/aggregate particles responsible for the dust can also be a major source of stream sedimentation. This can be detrimental to adjacent trout and salmon streams. When heavy rains occur and flow over an unpaved road,... read more »