Understanding Why Our Streets Wear Down

Introduction

Not all road damage is created equal. Here are the most frequent issues you’ll spot on your daily drive:

• Potholes: These are the most notorious offenders. They usually start when water seeps into the pavement through small cracks, softens the base soil, and then freezes and expands.
• Alligator Cracking: Also known as fatigue cracking, this looks like a series of interconnected cracks resembling the skin of a reptile. It’s usually a sign that the road can no longer support the weight of the traffic passing over it.
• Rutting: These are depressions or grooves worn into the road along the wheel paths. They often happen during extreme heat when the asphalt becomes more pliable.
• Ravelling: This occurs when the binder (the "glue" of the road) wears away, leaving loose gravel on the surface and making the road feel rough.

The Science of Decay

While it looks like solid rock, pavement is actually a complex system. The rate of decay is often determined by the Traffic Loading Index and environmental variables.

For example, the relationship between axle weight and road damage isn't linear; it follows a power law.

Why Timely Repair Matters

Ignoring a small crack today leads to a massive pothole tomorrow. By the time a road looks "bad," the underlying structure is often compromised, leading to repair costs that are 4 to 10 times higher than preventative maintenance.

Drive Safe: Always report significant road damage to your local Department of Transportation to help keep our infrastructure—and your vehicle—in top shape.