Previous laboratory research had shown that the effectiveness of sand as a traction aid on icy surfaces could be significantly improved if the sand was heated sufficiently prior to application. This was a result of the sand melting part way into the ice layer and refreezing in place. The current project was initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of the technique in the field using mobile sand heater/spreaders which had been purchased for this purpose. The purchased machines failed to heat the sand to the required temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Limited tests made with the warm sand produced (about 120 degrees) showed little traction improvement over cold-applied sand, in agreement with previous labratory results. Testing was discontinued due to the inability of the machines to heat the sand adequately and other mechanical problems.
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