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Council approves change order after contractor panel cracking prompts shift to reinforced concrete on Alameda project
Summary
Council approved a change order to replace jointed plain concrete with continuously reinforced concrete on a stretch of Alameda Street after observed mid‑panel cracking and construction issues; staff said the design option was allowed under the Infrastructure Design Manual but required more precise construction controls.
The Corpus Christi City Council on March 18 approved a change order to convert a jointed plain concrete pavement section on Alameda Street (Louisiana to Texan Trail) to continuously reinforced concrete after the contractor’s placements produced mid‑panel cracking.
Why it matters: The change increases project cost but city staff and engineering consultants said it will improve long‑term pavement performance on an arterial that carries heavy traffic and reduces the risk of premature failures that necessitate repeated repairs and disruption.
What happened - During construction, the city and a third‑party reviewer observed mid‑panel cracking on jointed plain concrete panels that had been placed. Inspectors and the engineer of record identified construction and design issues (dowel alignment, delayed saw cutting to create control joints and joint spacing) that increased the risk of mid‑panel cracking. - The contractor and staff negotiated a change order converting future panels to continuously reinforced concrete, which staff said would substantially reduce the risk of cracking and provide better long‑term service. - Council discussed project communication and the need to ensure public‑facing signage, business access and site housekeeping during construction; staff said inspectors meet with businesses and provide contractor contact cards and that they would continue to emphasize communication and site cleanliness.
Council concerns and follow‑up Council members asked whether public works and construction inspection staff were part of the 30/60/90 design review and whether the Infrastructure Design Manual should restrict use of jointed plain concrete on high‑traffic arterials. Staff acknowledged jointed plain concrete is included in the IDM and said the design choice required more oversight; they recommended revisiting IDM language when the manual is next updated and increasing cross‑department review on consequential pavement design choices.
Ending: The change order passed unanimously. Staff said the contractor will correct affected panels and the city will seek to improve preconstruction review and on‑site contractor oversight to avoid similar issues on future projects.
