pavement structure , making it more susceptible to the first two causes of cracking . Vacca continued : “ Cracks in the pavement if left untreated can lead to premature wear of that pavement ’ s life . The longer one waits the damage can affect the pavement ’ s integrity if water is permitted to continually trickle in . When properly sealed , only 1 % of cracks form into potholes within three years . Without proper sealing , 75 % of cracks form into potholes within the same time frame .” Cracks in an asphalt pavement surface begin to form when traffic weight and temperature variations cause the asphalt surface to move and flex above the base layer eventually pulling the surface apart forming cracks that ultimately lead to water ingression into the base layer . “ Once water seeps through the asphalt mat it not only deteriorates the asphalt but the sub-structure base below it ,” stated Thielbar . “ This will cause cracks to grow , cracks to spread , and potholes to be made as the base and asphalt combination
are no longer fit to handle the stress load of traffic and climate . Water ingression commonly occurs in low spots , rumble strips , and where asphalt mats meet each other on a road or paving project . “ Initial failures can come from the suns UV rays deteriorating the black asphalt component in a pavement resulting in a more brittle less flexible asphalt . This allows less movement due in changing weather conditions and traffic weight along with movement of the asphalt creates cracks in this condition .” In hot arid climates , heat can cause asphalt to expand and contract daily . This can cause it to heave then separate as it cools . What are the ramifications if pavement cracks are not addressed quickly ? In short , more cracks , more potholes , more deterioration and a greater cost of restoration or replacement . Not addressing the problem early can cost the contractor more when finally addressed . When water is allowed to permeate the
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asphalt surface , that water will erode the base layer , moving the sand and clay fines away that are holding the base layer together in a compacted state . When the smaller particles are removed , the larger rocks in the base fall into that void and cause a “ pocket ” to open up between the base layer and the asphalt sheet above it . The asphalt mat then begins to break apart without its base support under the stress of traffic weight and the asphalt begins forming a pothole as it falls into the void space below . In some arid and consistently warm climates cracks can go longer without seeing much base erosion . However , over time , due to weathering and the sun ’ s UV rays , all asphalt will begin to show distress . Eventually increased separation will be seen as cracking allows greater movement of the asphalt . With this additional movement more cracks spread from the initial crack and soon with the assistance of traffic and weight load the asphalt will continue to deteriorate the pavement .
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[ 19 ] April 2023