Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

Librekrieger t1_j3nkrpb wrote

Reply to comment by billionair31 in I've driven up and down I-5 100 times since 2014. here's some fun facts about to know by KanyeWaste69

But the traffic is so heavy there, and something was wrong with either the design of the joints or the way the concrete work was done. The ruts in the concrete over time created a massive transition that just hammers the suspension.

Los Angeles has used concrete for decades and generally does not have this problem. Whatever LA did, Seattle and WSDOT didn't. If it's fixed now, here's hoping the fix works long term.

3

billionair31 t1_j3o3did wrote

I don't do concrete roadway design, but there are a lot of factors that could cause issues that LA doesn't have. I'm fading could because I really don't know what went into the design in either location.

The concrete mix design is one thing that is pretty much impossible to comment on without seeing the original design, but could be a big factor in how the concrete holds up.

But most likely either the weather or the soil supporting the roadway is likely the largest factor in the longevity of the road. (Obviously the real answer is a combination of many factors)

LA doesn't get the same wet and freezing cycles that Seattle does (though they get way more direct sun and heat) and that can be really cause issues for roads. You'd have to ask a geotech because I don't know what the soil is like down there, but the Puget Sound region has a lot clay and silt deposits from the glaciers.

But things like that are why you can't just copy and paste a road design project anywhere in the country, or even the same county really.

3