NCS Consultants, LLC Projects - Red Mountain Freeway (202L):
University to Southern
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This project has been constructed and is in service.

Drilling on the Red Mountain Freeway (Loop 202L): University to Southern project. The Red Mountain Freeway (202L) is part of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Freeway System and will connect Interstate 10 to the Superstition Freeway (US 60). The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) retained Parsons Brinkerhoff (PB) to prepare the design for the new construction of the Red Mountain Freeway between University Drive and Southern Avenue in Mesa, Arizona.

Because the freeway is being depressed below grade, 30-ft. deep test pits were required with in-situ density measurements and proctor samples taken every 2.5-ft. These test pits were performed by Kleinfelder under subcontract to NCS. NCS performed the geotechnical investigations under subcontract to PB and provided recommendations for various structures including three (3) bridges, five (5) retaining walls totaling nearly 4,200 linear feet, a drainage channel paralleling the corridor, as well as pavement design. The field investigation program included 116 borings and 8 large test pits.

An 8-year composite interferrogram (1992-2000)showing the subsidence of Phoenix's East Valley with the project corridor for the Red Mountain: University to Southern project superimposed. (Modified from Tatlow, 2001). During preliminary investigations, an earth fissure crevice was identified that crosses the centerline of the project alignment. Even though the fissure is assumed to be inactive at this moment, it is not possible to assess whether or not it will become active in the future, which could possibly lead to differential settlements of adjacent structures. Hence remedial measure had to be taken to alleviate potential future problems including:

  • Aerial photo showing the trace of the earth fissure on the (Loop 202L): University to Southern project. Geocomposites drains,
  • Geogrid-reinforced soil platforms,
  • Welded wire mat platforms.

This project has been completed and is in service.
Downloads

PDF IconGeotechnical Remediation for a Highway Crossing an Earth Fissure (November, 2006) - Slide notes from a Naresh Samtani presentation at the November 6, 2006 ADOT DIRP meeting, and at the November 17, 2006 University of Arizona, Civil Engineering Department Seminar Series.

Handout from the June 29, 2006 field trip to view the earth fissure (671 KB)

Approximately 2 miles of depressed urban freeway.

3 Bridges, 4,200 linear feet of retaining walls, 116 borings, 8 30-ft deep test pits

Subsidence fissure tracing through project corridor
Photos
Ray Harris of the Arizona Geological Survey performing some field reconnaissance of the earth fissure on the Red Mountain: University to Southern project. View of earth fissure exposed in the excavation for the depressed section of the Red Mountain Freeway. The project is the Loop 202: University Dr. to Southern Ave. View of earth fissure exposed in the excavation for the depressed section of the Red Mountain Freeway. The project is the Loop 202: University Dr. to Southern Ave. View of earth fissure exposed in the excavation for the depressed section of the Red Mountain Freeway. The project is the Loop 202: University Dr. to Southern Ave. In the photo is Ray Harris with the AZGS. View of earth fissure exposed in the excavation for the depressed section of the Red Mountain Freeway. The project is the Loop 202: University Dr. to Southern Ave. A portion of the excavation for the depressed section of the Red Mountain Freeway. The project is the Loop 202: University Dr. to Southern Ave. A field trip was conducted on June 29, 2006 to view the earth fissure exposed in the slopes of the excavation for the Red Mountain freeway near Apache Trail. The field trip was approved by ADOT and conducted by NCS and Ray Harris with the AZGS. The project involves the construction of 2 miles of depressed urban freeway between University Dr. and Southern Ave. in Mesa, AZ. A field trip was conducted on June 29, 2006 to view the earth fissure exposed in the slopes of the excavation for the Red Mountain freeway near Apache Trail. The field trip was approved by ADOT and conducted by NCS and Ray Harris with the AZGS. The project involves the construction of 2 miles of depressed urban freeway between University Dr. and Southern Ave. in Mesa, AZ. A field trip was conducted on June 29, 2006 to view the earth fissure exposed in the slopes of the excavation for the Red Mountain freeway near Apache Trail. The field trip was approved by ADOT and conducted by NCS and Ray Harris with the AZGS. The project involves the construction of 2 miles of depressed urban freeway between University Dr. and Southern Ave. in Mesa, AZ. A field trip was conducted on June 29, 2006 to view the earth fissure exposed in the slopes of the excavation for the Red Mountain freeway near Apache Trail. The field trip was approved by ADOT and conducted by NCS and Ray Harris with the AZGS. The project involves the construction of 2 miles of depressed urban freeway between University Dr. and Southern Ave. in Mesa, AZ. A field trip was conducted on June 29, 2006 to view the earth fissure exposed in the slopes of the excavation for the Red Mountain freeway near Apache Trail. The field trip was approved by ADOT and conducted by NCS and Ray Harris with the AZGS. The project involves the construction of 2 miles of depressed urban freeway between University Dr. and Southern Ave. in Mesa, AZ. View of the excavation for a depressed section of the Red Mountain Freeway. The project is the Loop 202: University Dr. to Southern Ave. A field trip was conducted on June 29, 2006 to view the earth fissure exposed in the slopes of the excavation for the Red Mountain freeway near Apache Trail. The field trip was approved by ADOT and conducted by NCS and Ray Harris with the AZGS. The project involves the construction of 2 miles of depressed urban freeway between University Dr. and Southern Ave. in Mesa, AZ. A field trip was conducted on June 29, 2006 to view the earth fissure exposed in the slopes of the excavation for the Red Mountain freeway near Apache Trail. The field trip was approved by ADOT and conducted by NCS and Ray Harris with the AZGS. The project involves the construction of 2 miles of depressed urban freeway between University Dr. and Southern Ave. in Mesa, AZ. A field trip was conducted on June 29, 2006 to view the earth fissure exposed in the slopes of the excavation for the Red Mountain freeway near Apache Trail. The field trip was approved by ADOT and conducted by NCS and Ray Harris with the AZGS. The project involves the construction of 2 miles of depressed urban freeway between University Dr. and Southern Ave. in Mesa, AZ.
 
 

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