Recipient: University of Toronto Dept. of Civil & Mineral Engineering
Grant: Cdn$42,200; ICPI support: Cdn$38,814; Cdn$54,717 from the
Natural Sciences Engineering Research Council of Canada
Completion: 2020
Project Summary: 18
Background and Need
With increasing liability from winter slips and falls plus loss of vehicular control on snow and ice comes an increasing use of deicers. The increase in snowmelt and stormwater runoff results in environmental damage to lakes, streams and rivers. This results in economic damage to communities, i.e. lost revenue from recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing. Additionally, there is the cost of deicers and their application.
Empirical/anecdotal information from PICP owners in cold climates have consistently noted snow melting faster compared to that on conventional impervious pavements especially after plowing. Other permeable pavements provide this benefit as well, and deicer reductions have been established through research. Quantifying reductions in deicer use for PICP was needed to add to existing maintenance guidelines promulgated by industry, public agencies and designers. Moreover, there is a pressing need among municipalities to require use of more permeable pavement systems concomitant with lower deicer use as a means to preserve water-based recreation plus surface drinking and groundwater resources. In addition, reduced deicer use can extend pavement life.