Cause and Progression of Rutting on Mountain Passes

The objective of this research is to investigate the deep rutting of the climbing lanes (slow lane) on the mountain passes of Interstate 70 and consider ways of how the rutting could possibly be decreased. Materials engineers understand that most of the rutting is generated by freight trucks, chain-use, and possibly heavier trucks in the eastbound direction. As it stands, the Surface Treatment Asset Group (SUR) repairs the slow lane every five years to try to keep up with the rutting problem and keep the highway safe for drivers. In 2022, Region 3 installed some concrete test sections between MP 184-185, on the west side of Vail Pass. Concrete Test Section 1 is the first 1,000 feet of concrete and is a Class P control mix, with no additives or dowels. Concrete Test Section 2 is the next 1,000 feet of concrete. It was a Class P mix with EdenCrete, a carbon concrete admixture. Concrete Test Section 3 is the last 1,000 feet of concrete that was a Class P mix with 7% silica fume. The Materials engineers have been monitoring the concrete and asphalt that was paved two years ago in that same stretch of highway and have submitted reports from the two years of observations. The research team is finding that the concrete is handling the rutting better than the asphalt, but the rutting is still very noticeable in the concrete. As-built records in this area (I-70 EB MM 181-182) show that Vail pass was originally constructed in the late 1970’s with 5 inches of HMA over 6 inches of ABC (Class 6). Drill records from 1993 showed pavement depths ranging from 8.5 to 12.75 inches. This area has recently been treated regularly with 2-inch mill and fills, with recent projects on the eastbound lanes happening most recently in 2014 (climbing lane only), 2011 (travel lanes), 2010 (climbing lane only), and 2004 (full width). The asphalt pavement in this area underwent a surface treatment from MP 184.53 to 190.10 eastbound in 2021 that consisted of a 2 inch mill and fill of Hot Mix Asphalt (SX) (75) using PG (58-28) binder. Structure F-11-AM, located from MP 184.416 to 184.554, had approximately 5 inches of HMA milled off and replaced with new waterproofing and 3 inches of HMA using the aforementioned mix as a part of the 2022 project that is currently being monitored. For the purpose of this research project, the team would like to focus on the geotechnical aspect of the highway as well as possible ways to extend the life of the pavement, which would help the asset save money and service other areas. Finding better treatment opportunities would help both Region 3 and Region 1 for their mountain pass interstate roads.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Programmed
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Colorado Department of Transportation

  Applied Research and Innovation Branch
  Denver, CO  United States  80204
• Managing Organizations:

  Colorado Department of Transportation

  Applied Research and Innovation Branch
  Denver, CO  United States  80204
• Project Managers:

  Tran, Thien

• Start Date: 20250901
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Climbing lanes; Geotechnical engineering; Mountain roads; Pavement maintenance; Rutting; Test sections
• Geographic Terms: Colorado
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01930638
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Colorado Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Sep 16 2024 9:52AM