Failures developed in the roadway surface of Interstate 20 in the Jackson area, resulting in pavement distortions and supersize potholes. This report discussed the causes of the failures and appraised the remedial design currently being employed to reconstruct the damaged sections.
Evidence concluded that the roadway distortions in I-20 were due to an unstable and highly expansive soil (Yazoo clay). Although scientists had found several effective techniques for controlling the activity of Yazoo clay, many theories proven in the laboratory would not be confirmed under field conditions for a number of years. Engineers agreed that the best design criteria available were used to construct Interstate 20 in the 1960’s. They also agreed that the methods of correction being used would be 90 percent effective for many years. It was the opinion of the PEER Committee that the damaged sections which were being constructed according to recently developed methods would provide a smooth surface for the life of the surrounding pavement. However, more maintenance would be required as the highway system ages.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.