Gravel Roadway Dust Control: CaCl2 or MgCl2?

[privateer]

I want to treat a gravel roadway for dust control. Should I use Calcium Chloride or Magnesium Chloride? Is one better than the other? What are the conditions that dictate use of each chemical?

 

[Focht3]

Each soil is different; do you have any properties on the dust? If not, then you will need a cation exchange analysis - and someone to interpret the results and advise you.

Generally speaking, though, most people use the material that is cheaper and locally available - unless local experience has shown that the more expensive chemical is clearly superior -



Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[DMcGrath]

I read a pretty good article in "Erosion Control" on line a few years ago about a study done with various methods of gravel road dust control in Montana. It may give you some direction as to what's been tried before.

http://www.forester.net/ec_0103_dust.html

 

[KRSServices]

As a former transportation manager, looking after rural roads, I would not recommende either of those products. They are cheap and are not very long lasting. They are particularly nasty when wet. Depending on where these roads are located (for alternate material availability), the duration of the dust control, the volume and type of traffic, the nature of the road (residential vs forestry for example) and the road base, there are many more suitable products on the market.

One factor that I consider is the cost of re-application and durability.

I have many charts and cost formulas for a variety of products that can give you some direction. If you would like to explore further, please feel free to contact me and I can give you some information once I know the nature of the road being dealt with.

KRS Services

http://www.krs-services.com