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Asphalt surface defects: “polishing”

Polishing is a smooth slippery surface caused by traffic wearing off sharp edges of aggregates.  Repair with sealcoat or thin bituminous overlay using skid resistant asphalt. Supplied by the Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating manual by the University of Wisconsin.

Asphalt surface defects: “Raveling”

Raveling is a progressive loss of pavement material from the surface downward, caused by: stripping of the bituminous film from the aggregate, asphalt hardening due to aging, poor compaction especially in cold weather construction, or insufficient asphalt content. Slight to moderate raveling has loss of...

Cracks in asphalt surfaces: “Alligator cracks”

Interconnected cracks forming small pieces ranging in size from about 1 inch to 6 inches. This is caused by failure of the surfacing due to traffic loading (fatigue) and very often due to inadequate base or subgrade support. Repair by excavating localized areas and replacing base and surface. Large areas...

Cracks in asphalt surfaces: “block cracks”

Block crack Block cracking is interconnected cracks forming large blocks. Cracks usually intersect at nearly right angles. Blocks may range from one foot to approximately 10 feet or more across. The closer spacing indicates more advanced aging caused by shrinking and hardening of the asphalt over time....

Cracks in asphalt surfaces: “longitudinal cracks”

Longitudinal crack Cracks running in the direction of traffic are longitudinal cracks. Longitudinal cracks in the wheel path indecate fatigue failure from heavy vehicle loads. Cracks within one foot of the edge are caused by insufficient shoulder support (backfilling), poor drainage, or frost action. Cracks...

Cracks in asphalt surfaces: “transverse cracks”

A crack at approximately right angles to the center line is a transverse crack. They are often regularly spaced. The cause is movement due to temperature changes and hardening of the asphalt with aging. Transverse cracks will initially be widely spaced (over 50 feet). Additional cracking will occur with...