Pavement cracking is a fact of asphalt concrete pavements that maintenance and design personnel have had to contend with for years. Constructing a pavement that will not develop cracks over its service life is virtually impossible. Thermal movement and fatigue due to repetitive excessive loading are the main causes of pavement cracks.
Cracking, mainly fatigue, is one of two main concerns considered during the design process with the other major concern being rutting. Cracking more often than not is the primary mode of deterioration inasphalt concrete pavements which can eventually lead to structural failure. Pavement cracking shows up in many forms: transverse, longitudinal, block and fatigue cracks. Cracks are inevitable and need to be treated in a timely manner as they create an opening that allows moisture to penetrate the surfacing structure including the subgrade.
Overlooking cracks can lead to moisture or water being trapped, accelerating pavement deterioration resulting in accelerated crack deterioration, pot holes along the cracks and potentially structural failure. Ultimately, the above leads to reduced pavement life, serviceability and potentially increased road user costs.
