Dust Abatement Methods for Lines-of-Communication and Base Camps in Temperate Climates

Abstract : The U.S. Army Engineer Research and development Center was tasked by the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command to develop dust control systems for sustainment use on roads and other large-area applications in temperate climates as part of a comprehensive dust abatement program. The project consisted of evaluating various dust palliatives and application procedures during field tests. The products of this effort include equipment recommendations, palliative recommendations, and complete application guidance. This report addresses testing performed to evaluate commercial palliatives and application processes for constructing and maintaining lines-of-communication. Twenty-five test sections were constructed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, using commercial palliatives for dust abatement. Several application procedures were evaluated in the process, including topical applications and admixture applications with alternate application rates. Each test section was evaluated at 0, 30, 80, and 220 days after construction. The evaluation consisted of dust particle collection and soil property measurements. Pertinent conclusions from the testing conducted are noted, and recommendations for selecting dust abatement methods and materials are provided.