The loss of bond between aggregates and asphalt binder that typically begins at the bottom of the HMA layer and progresses upward.  When stripping begins at the surface and progresses downward it is usually called raveling.

Crescent or half-moon shaped cracks generally having two ends pointed into the direction of traffic.

Surface depression in the wheelpath.  Pavement uplift (shearing) may occur along the sides of the rut.  Ruts are particularly evident after a rain when they are filled with water.  There are two basic types of rutting: mix rutting and subgrade rutting.  Mix rutting occurs when the subgrade does not rut yet the pavement surface exhibits wheelpath depressions as a result of compaction/mix design problems.  Subgrade rutting occurs when the subgrade exhibits wheelpath depressions due to loading.  In this case, the pavement settles into the subgrade ruts causing surface depressions in the wheelpath.

The progressive disintegration of an HMA layer from the surface downward as a result of the dislodgement of aggregate particles.

Small, bowl-shaped depressions in the pavement surface that penetrate all the way through the HMA layer down to the base course.  They generally have sharp edges and vertical sides near the top of the hole.  Potholes are most likely to occur on roads with thin HMA surfaces (1 to 2 inches) and seldom occur on roads with 4 inch or deeper HMA surfaces (Roberts et al., 1996).

Two adjacent SMA pavements at the NCAT Test Track near Auburn, AL.  The pavement on the right uses river rock, which is more susceptible to abrasion, as its aggregate and is showing some signs of aggregate polishing.