Magnesium and calcium chlorides are commonly used as dust suppressants on unpaved roads. These chloride compounds are used for dust control because they are hygroscopic and deliquescent…meaning that they have the ability to absorb moisture from the humid air. The absorbed moisture helps limit dust by keeping the surface of the road moist enough to hold the dust particles down... 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 »
Dust control and maintenance of unpaved roads is a significant concern in many locations throughout the United States (and even Hawaii and Alaska) and various locations around the globe including parts of South America, Africa, and Europe. When fugitive dust particles are released into the air they can pose safety hazards, impair visibility, and potentially cause respiratory distress. Some agencies,... read more »
Dust control is a significant concern for maintaining unpaved roads. This can apply to mining operations, road construction, rural municipalities, military base training, and general construction. In the past, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride were popular with many entities for trapping fugitive dust particles in an unpaved roadbed. In recent years, ecologically conscious agencies, businesses, and government entities have become... read more »
The caprices of winter weather can swing wildly with wind, rain, sleet, and snow. If you maintain a year-round quarry, open pit mine, or a construction operation with unpaved roads, maintaining a stable roadbed can have a significant impact on your seasonal profits. Fugitive dust particles, unmitigated erosion, and washboard corrugation from the presence of excess water can cause safety... read more »
The success of many paving projects relies on effective base stabilization and preservation of unpaved surfaces. When a roadbed is compromised or erodes from frequent rainfall or seasonal weather changes, it can cause significant problems which can incur significant costs. Forming a stable matrix of aggregate rock and soil particles help to firm the roadbed to maintain its lifespan or... read more »
Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride based dust control agents once enjoyed popularity with road maintenance operations and rural municipalities for controlling fugitive dust on unpaved roads. As time has gone on, these substances have drawn increased scrutiny for their negative ecological impact and potential application hazards. The mineral content added to the road can sometimes attract unwanted wildlife to the... read more »
EnviRoad® started in the early 1970’s selling, hauling, and distributing dust control products throughout the Pacific Northwest. Working with the Forest Service we helped to spread lignin and magnesium chloride dust abatement products on unpaved roads throughout the region. Eventually, this led to us branching out to service municipal locations all around the world. During the 1980’s the American social... read more »
Fugitive dust particles that are released by passing traffic and local weather conditions can cause several different complications. Beyond safety and respiratory health concerns, a dusty road is also at increased risk of suffering washboarding, potholes, and general deterioration of the road bed. In dry conditions, frequent water truck applications and chloride based dust control agents can often prove expensive... read more »