FPInnovations and Université Laval have carried out research that investigates a number of suppressant and stabiliser products.
The publication is titled “Evaluation of the Performance of Dust Suppressants and Stabilizers at Abitibi Bowater Inc. – Mauricie Division: Phase 2” (Internal Report IR-2010-08-01). Prior research carried out laboratory analysis of the various products applied to a granite aggregate, but this research investigated the field applications of the various products. The aim of the field trials was to determine which product performed best in terms of dust control and road condition. Four hygroscopic products were applied to several road sections of an individual road which was exposed to heavy vehicle traffic.
The DustTrak II photometer (measures dust) and Unsurfaced Road Condition Index (URCI), developed by the United States Corp of engineers, was used to evaluate the road sections. All the products gave excellent results, with the differences between performances of individual products being minimal. However, to maximise product and road performance, it is necessary to use aggregate material that complies with the product specifications. In this case, good quality crushed granular material was used that met the specifications for unsealed roads. It was also critical for the correct particle size distribution criteria to be met during crushing, to prevent wheel ruts and loose aggregate from forming.
The authors of the publication are Philippe Poulin, Pascale Pierre, Luc Beaulieu (all Université Laval) and Glen Légére (FPInnovations). Please access the publication for a detailed and more complete account of the research.
Source: http://www.feric.ca/download.cfm?DownloadFile=A619D573-C299-54C5-157395D847618E54#report2