what happens on roads and highways that causes large puddles in specific pockets/spots but not in others? Do civil engineers take this into account?

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what happens on roads and highways that causes large puddles in specific pockets/spots but not in others? Do civil engineers take this into account?

In: Earth Science

5 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

>Do civil engineers take this into account?

Of course! Deep ditches require drainage piping. If simple drainage isn’t possible (in many tunnels/underpasses, for example), there will be dedicated pumping systems.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Some places are lower than others, and water will collect in low spots. Some places allow more or less water to move away from them than others.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Poor design or wear. Roads should be designed with a slight slope so that water rolls off. If a road begins puddling, it’s typically because that section of the road has been worn from heavy use, or that the road was designed or manufactured improperly.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Yes, drainage is considered when the road was initially designed.

Road sections that flood repeatedly have usually sunk or been poorly maintained over the years and are now no longer draining as intended.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Engineers do indeed take it into account. Roadways are all designed with positive drainage in mind. However, things happen.

Construction problem: There may be a section of the soil underneath the pavement that is weak, or was not properly compacted. This can cause the pavement to sag, creating a low area.

Use problem: Under the constant, repetitive loading, the pavement may deform, causing a low area.