The Case Against Magnesium Chloride

This page is curated with a selection of research papers and studies that delve into the damaging effects of magnesium chloride on concrete. These papers cover various aspects, including the chemical reactions that compromise concrete integrity, accelerated corrosion of reinforcing steel, and the long-term durability concerns. Whether you are a civil engineer, a contractor, or simply someone looking to understand the implications of de-icing practices, these resources will provide you with valuable insights backed by scientific evidence.

Explore the links below to deepen your understanding of how magnesium chloride affects concrete and learn about alternative approaches that could mitigate these risks.

Investigation of Anti-Icing Chemicals and Their Interactions with Pavement Concretes
Jan Olek, Anna Janusz, Jitendra Jain, Warda Ashraf
Joint Transportation Research Program
Indiana Department of Transportation and Purdue University

Chemical Deicers and Concrete Pavement: Impacts and Mitigation
March 2018 Tech Brief
US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration

Effects of Deicers on Concrete Deterioration
David Darwin, JoAnn Browning, Lien Gong, Sean R. Hughes
Structural Engineering and Materials Laboratory, University of Kansas

Magnesium Chloride as a Road Deicer: A Critical Review
Peter G. Snow, FACI
Burns Concrete, Inc. Idaho Falls, Idaho

PCC Pavement Deterioration and Expansive Mineral Growth
Hyomin Lee, Anita M. Cody, Robert D. Cody and Paul G. Spry
Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University

The Formation of Rims on Dolomite Aggregate in Iowa Concrete
Paul G. Spry, Guo-Lian Gan, Robert D. Cody and Anita M. Cody
Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University

Effects of Various Deicing Chemicals on Pavement Concrete Deterioration
Hyomin Lee, Robert D. Cody, Anita M. Cody, and Paul G. Spry
Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University

Iowa DOT HR-384, Final Report
Expansive Mineral Growth and Concrete Deterioration
Project Development Division of the Iowa Department of Transportation
The Iowa Highway Research Board
Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University

Iowa DOT HR-355, Final Report
The Role of Magnesium in Concrete Deterioration
Project Development Division of the Iowa Department of Transportation
The Iowa Highway Research Board
Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University