Rutting Pavement rutting is defined as 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...
Raveling The progressive disintegration of an HMA layer from the surface downward as a result of the dislodgement of aggregate particles. Raveling possibly resulting from segregation, temperature differentials or inadequate compaction. Raveling that is likely the...
Potholes 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...
Polished Aggregate 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. Areas of HMA pavement where the...
Patching An area of pavement that has been replaced with new material to repair the existing pavement. A patch is considered a defect no matter how well it performs. Two patches on an urban arterial placed after utility cuts. A patch on an urban arterial used to...
Longitudinal Cracking Cracks parallel to the pavement’s centerline or laydown direction. Usually a type of fatigue cracking. Longitudinal cracking on a city arterial. Its location in the wheelpath indicates that is probably the onset of fatigue cracking....
