Carnegie Mellon University
OP-T2-22: Snow and Ice Removal

For campus walkways we use primarily a granular ice melter that is a combination of Sodium Chloride + Postassium Chloride and sometimes it may have Magnesium Chloride added or be coated with Magnesium Acetate. We use liquid calcium in small amounts to treat masonary surfaces like steps - ramps- etc. This product functions as an anti-bonding agent, preventing water from creating a good "freeze attachment" to the masonary surface. Roadway Rock Salt is generally pure Sodium Chloride mined and then treated with an anti-caking solution to prevent the salt crystals from binding up into clumps thus preventing their spreader distribution. We use bulk roadway rock salt on roads and parking lot surfaces at the university. The ice melt products have a quicker melt response time and are effective at low temperatures and is milder to plant growth than straight Sodium Chloride, however they are much more expensive. We use ice melter products on campus pedestrian access areas (walks, steps, ramps, etc.) The Randy Pausch Memorial Bridge and the Warner Hall Plaza are heated to avoid salt use and to prevent the breakdown of the concrete from the salt.