Best Practices for Snow and Ice Removal from PermaTrak Boardwalks

South Lake Tahoe Shared-Use Trail: Dennis T. Machida Memorial Greenway

When designing boardwalks for northern climates, architects and engineers often face questions about winter maintenance and snow removal. After a recent trade show in Minnesota, several landscape architects approached our team asking practical questions: "Can I run a snow plow on a PermaTrak boardwalk?" and "What's the best way to remove ice without damaging the surface?"

These are valid concerns for any boardwalk project in regions that experience freezing temperatures and snowfall. The good news is that PermaTrak concrete boardwalks can safely accommodate snow removal equipment and de-icing materials when proper techniques are used.

Snow Removal Equipment: What Works Best

Photos from John Deere’s 317G Compact Track Loader

The most common question we hear is about snow plow compatibility. The short answer is yes, you can use snow removal equipment on PermaTrak boardwalks, but technique matters.

Plow Blade Considerations

Traditional steel plow blades can damage concrete surfaces if they catch an edge or joint in the boardwalk system. When a rigid steel blade encounters any projection or irregularity, it can cause spalling and surface damage. However, there are several solutions:

Rubber edge blades provide the best protection for concrete surfaces. These blades conform to the boardwalk surface while still effectively moving snow, significantly reducing the risk of damage.

Blade height adjustment is another effective approach. Setting the plow blade about a quarter-inch above the boardwalk surface allows for snow removal while protecting the concrete from direct blade contact.

Alternative Snow Removal Methods

Pikes Peak Summit - Cog Railway

For lighter snowfall or areas where plow access is limited, consider these alternatives:

• Snow blowers work well on boardwalks and eliminate surface contact concerns
• Manual removal with plastic shovels for sensitive areas or spot cleaning
• Broom attachment for light dusting or final cleanup
  
  

De-icing Materials: Safe Options for Concrete

Not all de-icing products are suitable for concrete boardwalks. Understanding which materials to use and which to avoid is crucial for long-term durability.

Recommended De-icing Materials

• Rock salt (sodium chloride) remains the most common and cost-effective option for most applications. When used properly and in moderation, rock salt poses minimal risk to properly designed concrete.
• Calcium chloride works at lower temperatures than rock salt and can be effective for severe winter conditions.
• Sand provides traction without chemical interaction, though it requires cleanup in spring and may affect drainage.

Materials to Avoid

• Magnesium chloride can be particularly aggressive toward concrete and should be avoided when possible.
• Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) while environmentally friendly, can be more expensive and may not be cost-effective for large boardwalk systems.

Location and Usage Context Matter

Before implementing any snow removal strategy, consider the boardwalk's location and intended use. A boardwalk three miles into a greenway trail may not require the same winter maintenance as one connecting urban buildings.

Pikes Peak Summit

Key questions to ask:

• Will the boardwalk be used during winter months?
• How do people access the boardwalk in winter conditions?
• Is the entire trail system maintained for winter use?
• What are the liability and safety requirements?

For example, the South Lake Tahoe Shared-Use Trail was specifically designed for year-round accessibility and includes provisions for seasonal snow removal. In contrast, a remote wetland boardwalk might be allowed to remain snow-covered during winter months.

Design Considerations for Cold Weather Performance

When planning a boardwalk for northern climates, several design factors can improve winter performance and reduce maintenance challenges:

Concrete Mix Design

Cold weather concrete should incorporate proper air entrainment to resist freeze-thaw cycles. ACI guidelines recommend specific air content percentages for freeze-thaw resistance, typically between 4-8% depending on maximum aggregate size.

Drainage

Proper drainage prevents ice buildup and reduces the risk of freeze-thaw damage. Ensure the boardwalk has adequate slope and drainage provisions to prevent standing water.

Joint Design

Well-designed expansion joints accommodate thermal movement and prevent cracking that could be worsened by freeze-thaw cycles.

Real-World Applications

Several PermaTrak projects demonstrate successful winter performance in harsh climates:

Thompson Oaks Greenway Trail in Minnesota was specifically designed to withstand harsh winters and slippery ice conditions for several months of the year. The precast concrete system's resistance to warping, bowing, and twisting ensures longevity even in extreme weather conditions.

South Lake Tahoe Shared-Use Trail in California required a material resilient enough for climate change impacts and able to withstand seasonal snow removal for year-round accessibility.

Both projects showcase how proper planning and material selection enable successful winter maintenance programs.

Maintenance Best Practices

Successful winter maintenance requires a systematic approach:

1. Pre-season inspection to identify any surface irregularities or joint issues
2. Equipment setup with appropriate blade types and height settings
3. Material staging to ensure adequate supplies of approved de-icing materials
4. Training for maintenance crews on proper techniques
5. Post-winter evaluation to assess performance and identify any needed repairs
   
   

Working with Your Maintenance Team

Early coordination with the entity responsible for winter maintenance is crucial. Provide clear guidelines about approved equipment and materials, and ensure maintenance crews understand the specific requirements for concrete boardwalk care.

Consider developing a written maintenance protocol that includes:

• Approved snow removal equipment and settings
• Recommended de-icing materials and application rates
• Contact information for technical support
• Documentation requirements for any damage
  
  

Planning Ahead

Winter maintenance capabilities should be considered during the initial design phase. Discuss maintenance access, equipment requirements, and ongoing costs with all stakeholders before finalizing the boardwalk design.

The investment in proper winter maintenance pays dividends in extended service life and continued year-round accessibility. With the right approach, PermaTrak boardwalks can provide decades of reliable performance even in the harshest winter conditions.

For more information about designing boardwalks for challenging climates, or to discuss your specific project requirements, contact our engineering team. We're happy to provide technical support and recommendations based on your local conditions and maintenance capabilities.