Magnesium Chloride for Dust Control

Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) is widely used for dust control on unpaved roads, parking lots, and industrial sites.

It works by attracting moisture from the air and binding fine dust particles together, preventing them from becoming airborne. Here are the key benefits and considerations:

  1. Benefits of Magnesium Chloride for Dust Control
  2. Hygroscopic Properties – Absorbs moisture from the air, keeping road surfaces damp and reducing dust.
  3. Improves Road Stability – Helps compact and bind soil particles, reducing erosion and surface deterioration.
  4. Environmentally Friendly – Less harmful to vegetation and aquatic life compared to calcium chloride or petroleum-based products.
  5. Long-Lasting Effect – Remains effective for weeks, depending on climate and traffic conditions.
  6. Reduces Maintenance Costs – Minimizes the need for frequent grading and watering.

Application Methods

  • Liquid Form: Sprayed directly onto the surface using a water truck for immediate dust suppression.
  • Flake or Pellet: Form: Applied and then watered to dissolve and penetrate the soil.
  • Mixed with Aggregate: Combined with gravel or dirt roads to improve compaction and stability.

How Magnesium Chloride Stabilizes Soil

  1. Moisture Retention – Its hygroscopic nature attracts and retains moisture, keeping the soil damp and compacted.
  2. Particle Binding – It binds fine dust and aggregates together, reducing loose material and improving load-bearing capacity.
  3. Reduces Erosion & Rutting – Strengthens road surfaces by minimizing dust loss and preventing washboarding.
  4. Freeze-Thaw Protection – Lowers the freezing point of water in the soil, reducing frost heave and maintaining stability in cold climates.

Application Methods

  • Surface Application: Sprayed as a liquid or applied as flakes and then watered in. Helps reinforce the top layer of roads.
  • Mix-in Method: Mixed with soil or aggregate before compaction for deeper stabilization and longer-lasting results.
  • Blended with Gravel or Sand: Enhances unpaved road durability and reduces maintenance needs.

Advantages of Using Magnesium Chloride

  • Eco-Friendly Alternative – Less damaging to the environment than petroleum-based stabilizers.
  • Cost-Effective – Reduces the need for frequent grading and road repairs.
  • Improves Road Safety – Reduces dust and improves traction.
  • Works in Various Climates – Effective in both arid and cold regions.

Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) is commonly used on construction sites for dust control, soil stabilization, and erosion prevention. It helps create safer working conditions, reduces airborne dust that can impact equipment and worker health, and stabilizes temporary roads and work areas.

Uses of Magnesium Chloride on Construction Sites

Dust Control

  • Reduces airborne dust from construction traffic and wind erosion.
  • Keeps work areas visible and reduces respiratory hazards.
  • Applied as a liquid spray or solid flakes mixed with water.

Soil Stabilization

  • Strengthens temporary roads, staging areas, and parking lots.
  • Prevents erosion and washboarding on dirt surfaces.
  • Mixed into soil or applied to the surface and compacted.

Erosion & Sediment Control

  • Helps prevent soil displacement due to wind or rain.
  • Reduces the spread of sediment into nearby waterways.
  • Often used alongside silt fences and other erosion control measures.

Benefits of Using Magnesium Chloride

  • Improves Safety – Reduces dust for better visibility and air quality.
  • Enhances Road Durability – Strengthens worksite access roads, reducing potholes and ruts.
  • Cost-Effective – Reduces water truck usage and frequent grading.
  • Environmentally Friendly – Less harmful than petroleum-based dust suppressants.
  • Works in Various Weather Conditions – Retains moisture to prevent dry, loose surfaces.

Application Methods

  • Liquid Spray – Sprayed directly onto work areas and roads using water trucks.
  • Granular Form – Spread as flakes or pellets and watered in for deeper soil penetration.
  • Mixing with Soil – Incorporated into the soil before compaction for long-term stabilization.
     
Dust Control
  • Attracts moisture from the air, keeping arena footing damp and reducing dust.
  • Improves air quality for horses and riders, minimizing respiratory issues.
  • Reduces dust accumulation on arena walls, equipment, and tack.
Moisture Retention
  • Attracts moisture from the air, keeping arena footing damp and reducing dust.
  • Improves air quality for horses and riders, minimizing respiratory issues.
  • Reduces dust accumulation on arena walls, equipment, and tack.

Improved Footing Stability

  • Attracts moisture from the air, keeping arena footing damp and reducing dust.
  • Improves air quality for horses and riders, minimizing respiratory issues.
  • Reduces dust accumulation on arena walls, equipment, and tack.

Application Methods

  • Attracts moisture from the air, keeping arena footing damp and reducing dust.
  • Improves air quality for horses and riders, minimizing respiratory issues.
  • Reduces dust accumulation on arena walls, equipment, and tack.

Grading is a crucial step before applying magnesium chloride for dust control, road stabilization, or soil compaction. Proper grading ensures that the surface is smooth, evenly compacted, and allows for the best penetration of magnesium chloride.

Why Grade Before Applying Magnesium Chloride

  • Removes Ruts & Potholes – Ensures an even surface for optimal stabilization.
  • Improves Drainage – Prevents water pooling and washouts.
  • Enhances Magnesium Chloride Penetration – Helps it bind with the soil for long-lasting effects.
  • Reduces Maintenance Needs – A properly graded road stays in better condition for longer.

Best Practices for Grading & Applying Magnesium Chloride

Step 1: Evaluate the Road Condition

  • Check for ruts, potholes, and washboarding.
  • Ensure proper crown (slight center height) for water drainage.

Step 2: Grade the Surface

  • Use a motor grader to smooth and reshape the road.
  • If needed, add fresh gravel or fines to fill gaps.
  • Compact the surface to create a firm base.

Step 3: Apply Magnesium Chloride

  • Liquid Form: Sprayed evenly across the road.
  • Flake/Pellet Form: Spread and then watered to activate.
  • Mixed with Gravel: For deeper stabilization before final compaction.

Step 4: Compact the Surface Again

  • Use a roller or traffic compaction to lock in the treatment.
  • Avoid over-compacting, which can create a hard, slippery surface.

When to Grade & Apply Magnesium Chloride?

  • Spring & Fall – Best for stabilization as moisture is retained longer.Improves Drainage – Prevents water pooling and washouts.
  • Before Dry Seasons – Prevents excessive dust and surface deterioration.
  • After Heavy Use or Weather Damage – Helps restore road conditions.
    Would you like recommendations for specific application rates or equipment? 

 

  • Effective at Lower Temperatures – Works down to -10°F (-23°C), better than rock salt.
  • Faster Ice Melting – Absorbs moisture quickly, accelerating the melting process.
  • Reduces Refreezing – Stays active longer than sodium chloride, minimizing black ice formation
  • Less Corrosive Than Rock Salt – Gentler on concrete, asphalt, and vehicles.
  • Environmentally Friendly – Less harmful to plants, pets, and waterways than calcium chloride.
     
Anti-Icing (Prevention Before a Storm)
  • Apply before snowfall to prevent ice from bonding to pavement.
  •  Use a liquid brine solution (30% magnesium chloride mixed with water).
  •  Spray onto roads, sidewalks, or parking lots 24–48 hours before snowfall for best results.

De-Icing (Melting Existing Ice & Snow)

  • Spread granular magnesium chloride or spray liquid solution over icy surfaces.
  • Works effectively at lower temperatures, especially in humid conditions.
  • Penetrates and breaks ice bonds, making plowing and removal easier.

Blended with Other De-Icers

  • Often combined with sodium chloride (rock salt) to enhance performance.
  • Mixed with sand to improve traction on slippery roads.

Considerations & Best Practices
Can be Slippery When Over-Applied – Use appropriate amounts to avoid excessive moisture buildup.
Mildly Corrosive – Less damaging than rock salt, but still rinse vehicles and metal surfaces after exposure.
Proper Storage Needed – Store in sealed containers to prevent clumping from moisture absorption.