The Calder Highway between Melbourne and Bendigo is being upgraded to provide a high standard highway or freeway. Black ice in this region is often extreme in winter and causes a large number of accidents. VicRoads engaged CSIRO to carry out thermal imaging of the highway during extreme conditions. The study confirmed that in extreme conditions, bridge decks are colder than adjacent road pavements and also highlighted that areas subjected to shade, or sections of road in deep cutting, were also far more susceptible. The study also confirmed that where pavements had good surface drainage, the formation of ice was less likely. Following detailed consideration of alternative treatments, it was agreed to electrically heat various bridges along the route where black ice was known to be a problem. In addition to the deck heating system an integrated ice warning system has been installed. Other measures also undertaken to minimise black ice on the freeway were developed to ensure good surface drainage, minimise the area of pavement in shade and to trial a length of open graded friction course asphalt. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E208431.
Samenvatting