Ruts in concrete on Interstate Highway

[plowhog]

I travel over Donner Summit (I-80) between Nevada and California pretty frequently.

This section was entirely refurbished a few years ago. I watched the concrete pour and it seemed like about 14 inches thick with lots of rebar. Now, a few years later, I am seeing ruts in the concrete in the truck lane.

The ruts are so bad I can't use that lane when towing a trailer. The trailer wheels are a little wider than my truck, so if truck wheels are tracking the ruts then the trailer is not-- making it wander around.

I don't ever remember seeing ruts in concrete. Is this possibly a bad mix of concrete that has caused this?

 

[Rock knocker]

Probably studded tires

 

[dodge man]

I agree must be studded tires. Concrete does not rut like asphalt.

 

[Thomas]

Also agree w/studded tires.
I89 Lebanon,NH. tar has the same results every now and than some loses control because of hydroplaning.

 

[Bird]

I never heard of ruts in concrete, but then I've never used studded tires either.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I think that chain use on the semi truck & trailers has become more common these days, even on the trailers.

 

[bcp]

Interesting article and especially comments:

What Grinds My Gears: Studded Snow Tires - The Truth About Cars

Bruce

 

[Industrial Toys]

It seems to me that some of the worst vehicle destroying roads I have driven were concrete. I'm guessing that concrete roads are much more difficult and expensive to repair.

 

[PILOON]

Here in snowy Quebec we must install (by law) winter tires after Dec 15 subject to fines.
If you are going south for the winter a special permit can be obtained to exempt the snow tire ruling and is valid for only 10 days.

All seasons no longer allowed.
Studded tires only permitted on vehicles under 3000 lbs with fines if caught over 3 k lbs.

With 2 sets of tires and dual changeovers it gets costly. Typically the charge is $10.00 per tire X 4 twice yearly.
Latest is to also charge to store your off season tire set!
As I keep my vehicle for generally 10 years I invest in steel rims to mount the winter snows and a good jack and impact nut driver.

 

[fried1765]

It seems to me that some of the worst vehicle destroying roads I have driven were concrete. I'm guessing that concrete roads are much more difficult and expensive to repair.

Long, long ago, when I was working on my Civil Engineering degree, the "Concrete Institute" advertised "concrete for permanence" in highway surface construction.
In a cold climate. concrete is the very worst on grade highway surface, but for most bridges, and overpasses, it is absolutely necessary.