TYPES OF ROAD FAILURES

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Cracking is one of the most common pavement failures. Cracks in pavement can
occur due to a variety of reasons, including age, traffic loads, weather, and
subgrade issues. Cracks can range in size from small hairline cracks to large
transverse cracks that extend across the entire pavement surface. Some common
types of cracks are discussed below:

a. Fatigue Cracking: Fatigue cracking is caused by the repeated loading

and unloading of the pavement due to vehicular traffic. It is
characterized by interconnected cracks that resemble an alligator’s skin,
hence the term “alligator cracking.” Fatigue cracking may also be caused
by the loss of strength of the underlying pavement layers, such as the
subgrade. This might be as a result of water ingress into the pavement.
Solution: Fixing fatigue cracking is tricky as it is related to the structural
loading of the pavement. A full-depth patch is the only way to
permanently deal with this defect. Alligator cracks may not be localized
and can occur along the entire road length with homogenous loading
and pavement structure, especially if the cracks are due to the
overloading of the pavement layer. In this case, a reconstruction of the
entire pavement is recommended. If not checked, alligator cracks
eventually lead to potholes, another major pavement defect. In the case
of water ingress compromising the underlying structure, upon the
reconstruction of the pavement, drainage should be improved to avoid a
repeat of the same failure.
b. Thermal Cracking: Thermal cracking is caused by the expansion and
contraction of pavement due to temperature changes. This type of
cracking is more common in areas with extreme temperature changes,
such as from hot to cold, and can be identified by its linear pattern.
Thermal cracking usually manifests in the form of interconnected cracks
that divide the pavement into rectangular blocks. This has led to thermal
cracking sometimes being referred to as block cracking.
Solution: A stop-gap measure to low-severity cracks is the sealing of the
cracks to prevent moisture from reaching the underlying layers and
further compromising the pavement. In cases where the cracks are
severe, it is advisable that the entire asphalt layer is removed and
 replaced with a new one. However, a proper mix design should be used
to ensure that the pavement layer can withstand the temperature
fluctuations.
c. Reflective Cracking: Reflective cracking occurs when cracks in the
subbase or subgrade are reflected in the pavement layer above. This
type of cracking is common in overlays, where a new layer of pavement
is placed over an existing one. Reflective cracks can be dealt with in a
similar manner to the cracks discussed above.

Rutting Rutting is a pavement failure

characterized by permanent deformation in the wheel path caused by the
repeated passage of heavy vehicles, leading to secondary compaction. Rutting
can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient pavement thickness,
weak subgrade, and inadequate compaction during construction.

Solution: Rutting is a tricky defect to rectify, but in case it is localized and

stabilized, it can be filled and overlaid. However, a permanent solution to
rutting is the removal and replacement of the asphalt layer. A proper design
mix should be done when designing the overlay layer. The advent of rut-
resistant asphalt mixes such as Stone Mastic Asphalt goes a long way in dealing
with this defect. Other preventive measures to rutting include axle load
controls to prevent the overloading of pavement layers beyond their design
limits.

Bleeding

Bleeding is a pavement failure characterized by the upward movement of

asphalt binder to the pavement surface. This can result in a shiny and sticky
surface that can cause skidding and reduced friction. Bleeding can be caused
by a variety of factors, including excessive asphalt binder content, high
temperatures, and inadequate compaction.

Solution: Minor bleeding can be corrected by applying coarse sand to blot up

the excess asphalt binder. Major bleeding can be corrected by cutting off
excess asphalt with a motor grader or removing it with a heater planer. To
prevent bleeding in new asphalt pavements, a proper mix design should be
done, with the appropriate amounts of bitumen(binder) and voids within the
mix.

Raveling
Raveling is a pavement failure characterized by the progressive disintegration
of the pavement surface, resulting in the loss of aggregate particles. This can
lead to a rough surface and reduced skid resistance. Some of the causes of
raveling include loss of bond between the aggregates and binder and
mechanical dislodging of the aggregates. Raveling can occur both from the top
of the pavement layer downwards or from the edge of the pavement inwards.
Loss of bond between aggregates and binder can be due to natural bitumen
aging, dust coating on the aggregate particles, aggregate segregation due to
poor mix designs, for instance, if no sufficient fine particles in the mix, or
inadequate compaction of the mix. Mechanical dislodging of aggregates can be
due to certain types of traffic (studded tires, snowplow blades or tracked
vehicles).

Solution: Minimal raveling can be fixed by the application of a thin hot-mix overlay.
Extensive raveling might necessitate the removal and replacement of the pavement
layer.

Potholes

Potholes are a pavement failure characterized by the formation of holes in the

pavement surface. Generally, potholes are the end result of fatigue cracking. As
fatigue cracking becomes severe, the interconnected cracks create small
chunks of pavement, which can be dislodged as vehicles drive over them. The
remaining hole after the pavement chunk is dislodged is called a pothole.
Water ponding in pothole highly exacerbates the problem, making the potholer
deeper and wider, and further compromising underlying layers.

Solution: Potholes are considered a major defect due to the fact that they can
cause serious injury or damage to property, as severe accidents and damages
to vehicles have been witnessed owing to a vehicle hitting a deep pothole.
Therefore, a pothole should be addressed as soon as it appears. This can be
done by patching.

Shoving

Shoving is a pavement failure characterized by the formation of ripples or

waves in the pavement surface, resulting in a rough and uneven surface.
Shoving occurs in areas experiencing severe horizontal stresses, such as at
intersections and bus stops, where vehicles perform a lot of deceleration and
acceleration. These external stresses, combined with a poor mix design or
excessive moisture in the underlying subgrade, is what leads to this irregular
plastic deformation.

Solution: Minimal shoving can be patched. Extensive shoving will require

removal and overlay of the asphalt layer or a full-depth patch.

Depressions

Depressions are a pavement failure characterized by a localized low spot in the

pavement surface. Depressions are mainly caused by localized areas of low-
quality subgrade. Depressions can accelerate the failure of the pavement by
holding water which might seep into the pavement. This is especially true in
cases whereby the depressions occur concurrently with cracks.

Solution: A full-depth patch is recommended for depressions

Upheaval

Upheaval is the opposite of a depression, with a localized upward movement

experienced on the pavement. Similar to depressions, upheavals are caused by
low-quality subgrade, such as expansive soils. The cover image shows
pavement upheaval that has led to the bulging of the road at the middle and
the formation of cracks.

Solution: A full-depth patch is recommended for upheavals.