Evaluation of ice warning systems (FHWA-OK-88-03) 2145
Abstract
Two i.ce warning systems were installed on the Interstate hi.ghway
system in the Oklahoma City area. A Boschtmg Canpany, Inc. Ice Early
Warning System was installed on three elevated structures or bridges. A
Surface Systems Inc. SCAN System was installed on one of the structures.
The systems were evaluated for two winter seasons. The primary
objective of the evaluation was to determine the data accuracy and reliability
and the durability of the equipment in the operational environment.
The Boschung system was used by a field maintenance division to
augment their weather surveillance nethods and as an aid to gain knowledge
on icing conditions.
The relatively few icing events which occurred during the evaluation
period limited the arrount of data available for analysts and equipment
evaluation. The basic sensor responses to weather and surface conditions
appeared to be accurate and reliable . The logic derived early warning
alarms or surface condition status alerts were not as easy to interpret
or verify due to the lack of repeatable weather conditions.
The systems denxmstrated the potential to be of value as a deci.si.on
support tool. Further operational experience and evaluati.on by the maintenance
supervisors responsi.ble for deicing operati.ons would be beneficial
in order to better assess the feasibility of futrure s:rstem
expansion.