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 repair a spalled joint reflective crack.

Problem

Roughness

Possible Causes

• Previous localized pavement deterioration that has been removed and patched
• Utility cuts

Repair

Patches are themselves a result of a prior repair action.  The only way they can be removed from a pavement’s surface is by either a structural or non-structural overlay or an inlay (mill and fill). It is important to make sure that the existing patch was constructed properly and shows no signs of failure prior to overlaying the patch. If the patch is not in good condition, a mill and fill is the best choice.