Problem Possible Causes Description Problem Possible Causes Description Problem Possible Causes Description

80 In the case of high severity use overlays surface, or implementing to thin overlay.

4.4.5 Potholes

Low severity Medium severity Figure 4.6 Severity levels of Potholes

a. Description

Small, bowl-shaped depressions in the pavement surface that penetrate all the way through the asphalt 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 thin asphalt surface 25 to 50 mm and seldom occur on roads with 100 mm or deeper asphalt surface see Figure 4.6.

b. Problem

Roughness serious vehicular damage can result from driving across potholes at higher speeds, moisture infiltration.

c. Possible Causes

Generally, potholes are the end result of alligator cracking. As alligator 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. 81

d. Options for Repair Cures

The treatments are surface patching or deep depend on depth of the hole. No matter what cure is chosen, it is important to fix the situation which caused the pothole.

4.5.6 Patching

Figure 4.7 Patching

a. Description

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.

b. Problem

Roughness.

c. Possible Causes

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

d. Options for Repair Cures

Repair distress in patch, Replace patch. 82

4.4.7 Polished Aggregate

Figure 4.8 Polished Aggregate

a. Description

Polished aggregate is present when close examination of a pavement reveals that the portion of aggregate extending above the asphalt is either very small or there are no rough or angular aggregate particles to provide good skid resistance.

b. Problem

Roughness.

c. Possible Causes

Aggregate polishing is caused by repeated traffic applications.

d. Options for Repair

Surface treatment using polish resistant aggregate. 83

4.4.8 Raveling and Weathering

Figure 4.9 Raveling and Weathering

a. Description

Weathering and raveling are the wearing away of the pavement surface caused by the loss of asphalt or tar binder and dislodged aggregate particles. This distress indicates that either the asphalt binder has hardened appreciable or that a poor quality mixture is present. Loose materials usually aggregate that ravel from the surface or edges of the pavement, resulting in depressions which may fill with moisture and loose aggregate which may pose problems.

b. Problem