There is no argument that all asphalt cement (AC) pavements crack. Cracks in asphalt pavements are inevitable. Neglect and lack of proper maintenance lead to accelerated cracking and/or potholing, further reducing the serviceability of the pavement. There are numerous reasons, which can be broadly categorized, in four distinct classes.
- Pavement Construction: Examples in this category include flaws in the selection of the right type of asphalt mix, poor mix design, engineering defects, unsuitable ambient conditions, etc. If all of these factors meet design criteria, bpoor workmanship may be considered as a cause for premature failure of the pavement.
- Traffic Frequency & Load: Fatigue cracking and rutting are the two principal considerations in the pavement design process because they are the primary mode of deterioration of asphalt pavements.
- Deterioration of the asphalt cement binder, primarily due to weathering under the degrading effects of ultraviolet radiation.
- Climatic conditions, and pavement expansion and contractions due to temperature variations, and freeze thaw cycles.
Once cracks develop, water easily penetrates into the base and sub-base of the pavement and damages the structural integrity of the aggregate materials. Pavement joint and crack sealants are designed to protect the pavement by minimizing water infiltration and by preventing the accumulation of debris. It has been amply demonstrated and documented that sealing cracks in flexible pavements is a sound preventive maintenance procedure, which adds many years to the life of the pavement, especially when used in conjunction with other preventive techniques such as slurry seal, chip seals and sealcoating.
- Crack sealing is one of the most cost-effective ways to prolong the pavement life, as much as 3- 8 years.
To help prolong, improve or replace the pavement in your world, contact the experts!
If you have any further questions about Asphalt Crack Sealing or have a project that you need completed, then contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777 or click here today! The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of pavement projects and have the experience you need.
Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.
