Recent freezing, thawing will create rough driving for motorists

WHAT: 75 percent of the continental United States is under the freezing point. Once again, the Polar Vortex will wreak havoc on much of the 2.7 million miles of paved roadway across the U.S. 

EXPERT: Purdue University civil engineer John Haddock, who researches pavement design, management and materials, can talk about the myriad problems it causes. Joint project work with the Indiana Department of Transportation is trying to determine a test that would help determine which asphalt mixtures are more prone to cracking at low temperatures.

QUOTE:  “Freezing and thawing are part of pothole formation, so the temperature only need change between below and above freezing for the effect to work. From a pavement standpoint, it makes no difference if the temperature goes from below freezing to 35 or 40 degrees. It only matters that a thaw begins to take place.” 

CREDENTIALS

      • Professor, Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University

      • Director, Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program

      • Registered professional Engineer, Indiana

A publication-quality photo is available of John Haddock (Photo/College of Engineering) at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/2019/haddock-john.jpg 

Writer: Brian Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu 

Source: John Haddock, 765-496-3996, jhaddock@purdue.edu