Those in the business of building roads and highways have a lot of heavy equipment at their disposal. Graders, compactors and excavators are some of the most imposing and impressive machines used for road construction and reclamation. However, as important as they are, one of the most versatile and essential tools used on the jobsite may also be one of the least assuming. It’s a simple chemical compound that comes in the form of tiny flakes, small pellets or as a liquid. The use of calcium chloride for dust control and road stabilization is one of the most necessary steps to ensure the success of a project.
How Calcium Chloride Works
The application of calcium chloride for road stabilization and dust control is common because of its ability to stabilize aggregate. It accomplishes this thanks to three key properties. It is hygroscopic, which means it naturally absorbs moisture out of its surroundings. Once it does, it dissolves into the water to form a clear solution that is deliquescent, meaning it resists evaporation. This resulting solution has a high degree of surface tension, which helps it lubricate the underlying aggregate and improves each particle’s ability to interlock with those around it.
Thanks to its ability to resist evaporating, using calcium chloride for dust control and stabilization means the road base retains an optimal level of moisture. This offers a number of benefits for construction and reclamation projects, especially compared to traditional methods.
The Benefits of Calcium Chloride Road Treatment
Using calcium chloride for road dust control is highly effective because it won’t evaporate as quickly even under direct sunlight and in extreme heat. It serves to keep the road’s surface damp in almost any conditions, ensuring good visibility for drivers and helping to keep the road in optimal condition for as long as possible. Although pure water has been used traditionally for this purpose, the fact that it evaporates so quickly means it must be applied multiple times. This can become an expensive proposition in many environments.
In terms of road stabilization, any dust that is kicked up by traffic runs the risk of resettling wherever the wind takes it. Over time, this means there may be fewer fine particles helping to hold the larger aggregates in place. This can lead to potentially serious stability issues and premature deterioration of the pavement. Calcium chloride helps prevent this by holding the fine dust and other aggregate materials together.
Call Rock Solid for Complete Expertise
The use of calcium chloride to keep dust down and stabilize the road base is a great choice whenever you want a long-lasting, easy-to-apply solution. Rock Solid Stabilization & Reclamation is a leader in providing this and other related services to strengthen road construction and reclamation projects. We work closely with your crew no matter where you’re working to ensure the best overall results for you. To learn more about this and any other capabilities we can offer to you, reach out and get in touch with us today.