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- Wallman, Carl-Gustaf, et al.
(author)
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Effects of winter road maintenance : state-of-the-art
- 1997
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The study constitutes the basis for the model to be used as a guideline for determining winter road standards within the framework of the public economy. Driving speeds vary widely on winter roads. However, it is estimated that passenger cars travel at 75-–90 % of the speeds they normally travel at on bare roads. In order to maintain a consistent stopping distance, speeds should virtually be halved. The appearance of the road has a greater affect on the reduction in speed than friction/road traction. Precipitation entails a much greater reduction than slippery road surfaces alone. Accident rates on winter roads vary greatly. However, studies based on the observation of road conditions and traffic measurements show an increased risk on icy/snowy roads. The more unusual these conditions, the greater the risk. Aggregated studies do not support the presumption of increased risk in winter. Statistics from the Swedish Motor Vehicle Inspection Co. were analysed as a result of notations of rust defects that caused cars to fail inspection. In Västervik, where roads are salted, cars fail inspection 2–4times more often than on Gotland, where salt is not used. Experts estimate that the life expectancy of cars would increase by 25 % if roads were not salted. Corrosion costs will continue to be high since new corrosion problems occur in conjunction with the effects on electronic equipment. Many breaches of knowledge are identified.
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