New York’s Third Avenue Bridge got stuck for hours when its metal expanded in the heat, preventing it from closing. Roads have buckled on hot days in several states, including Washington and Wisconsin. Amtrak warned passengers about heat-related problems, leading to a daylong outage between New York and New Jersey. High temperatures pose a growing risk to power lines and rails, causing delays for the train system.
The worsening heat is hitting an already troubled U.S. infrastructure system. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave U.S. infrastructure a grade of C- in its 2021 report. Despite some improvements, such as a reduction in the number of poor-condition bridges from over 12% to 7.5% in a decade, many bridges remain old and hard to maintain. Forty percent of the road system is in poor or mediocre condition, with maintenance costs rising substantially.
Firefighters in New York City tried to cool down the Third Avenue Bridge after it expanded in the heat. This bridge, partially rebuilt in 2004, highlights that even relatively young structures can struggle in high temperatures. The rate of deterioration for bridges and roads depends on the materials used, construction methods, and the climate they face over their lifespan. Extreme heat significantly affects transportation infrastructure, and with climate change, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are expected to increase, worsening these issues.
Roads are built in segments to allow for expansion in heat and contraction in cold. Without these spaces, pavement can buckle during high heat. Buckling has become a serious problem in states like Wisconsin. The design, materials, climate, and weather over a road’s life can all impact its lifespan, along with damage and improper repairs. Extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation can damage roads and compromise rail systems’ integrity. Sea-level rise accelerates coastal erosion, further threatening infrastructure.
Hot Rails and the Risk of Buckling
Rail expansion in heat is a significant concern, especially for continuous welded rails. High temperatures cause rails to expand, creating pressure that, combined with the forces from trains, can cause buckling, known as “sun kink.” This can lead to derailments, prompting Amtrak to slow trains during extreme heat, causing delays. Washington, D.C.’s Metro reduces train speeds when rail temperatures reach 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius).
Engineers are working on solutions to mitigate these risks. Using heat-resistant materials, adjusting track design, and timely repairs can reduce rail expansion risks. For roads, protective measures like single-cut sawed joints with sealant, cold weather concreting practices, and stronger concrete can prevent buckling. Timely repairs of cracked and damaged pavement are crucial.
Keeping Infrastructure Healthy
Maintaining infrastructure is similar to maintaining human health early detection and maintenance are key to reducing costs and ensuring effective rehabilitation. The Smart Infrastructure and Testing Laboratory at the University of Texas at Arlington is working on nondestructive evaluation methods to monitor infrastructure without causing damage.
They use mobile scanning systems like portable MRI machines to detect weaknesses in bridges, roads, and runways. Advanced sensors and artificial intelligence help assess infrastructure conditions and spot problems in materials.
As the climate changes and infrastructure ages, the need for resilient infrastructure becomes more urgent. The problems caused by this summer’s heat waves highlight the necessity of developing infrastructure that can withstand future challenges.
Reference: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/stuck-bridges-buckling-roads-extreme-heat-wreaking-havoc-americas-aging-infrastructure