The science of road buckling, amid statewide concerns
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)— Across the United States, roadways are buckling under the pressure of extreme heat, and Missouri is no exception.
In one dramatic incident in southwest Missouri, a vehicle was launched into the air after hitting a road buckle caused by soaring temperatures.
Road buckling occurs when concrete pavement expands due to intense heat. Concrete naturally expands in hot weather, but when it exceeds the capacity of the joints built to absorb that movement, the pressure causes the pavement to heave or 'pop,' creating dangerous ridges or breaks in the road surface.
As summer temperatures continue to rise, the risk of buckling becomes more serious, including here in St. Joseph.
Marty Liles, the Northwest District Engineer, explains that there's no real way to predict when these concert blowups" will occur. However, when temperatures start to rise, Marty and his crew begin closely monitoring the roads for any signs of buckling.
Preventative maintenance is key. Road crews typically monitor high-risk areas, inspect expansion joints and may make relief cuts or seal cracks to reduce pressure buildup.
Materials like asphalt are less prone to dramatic buckling but still degrade in extreme heat, meaning long-term infrastructure planning is also essential.
Marty and his MoDOT crew heavily rely on the public's help when it comes to identifying road issues. "We also rely on our, the public, to call and let us know if they see those issues out there on the roadway.
For now, drivers must stay alert for sudden road changes and report any pavement issues they encounter to the Missouri Department of Transportation by calling 1-888-ASK-MoDOT or by visiting their website, www.modot.org/.
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