Fixed Automated Spray Technology: Current Practices and a Case Study

Anti-icing is an application of chemicals before a storm event in order to prevent the formation of black ice and to prevent or weaken the bond between ice and the road surface. Compared with traditional methods for snow and ice control (e.g., deicing and sanding), anti-icing can lead to decreased applications of chemicals and abrasives, decreased maintenance costs, improved level of service, and lower accident rates. Fixed Automated Spray Technology (FAST) systems are designed as a fixed asset technology for anti-icing operations at specific target areas such as bridges, tunnels, ramps and other elevated roadways. This work synthesizes information obtained from agency surveys and a field investigation on the state of the practice of FAST systems. The key findings from the study are as follows. First, every installed FAST system (reported in this survey) needed significant maintenance activities for its successful operation. Second, inconsistency in proper functioning of FAST systems is mostly due to the poor design, poor quality of installation and lack of maintenance practices for some cases. Last, non-invasive technology may help improve the reliability of FAST technology.