Asphalt pavement is among the most popular for driveways, parking lots, and roads. Unfortunately, this durable material isn’t indestructible and can suffer damage from various environmental occurrences like snowstorms or extreme heat.?
While asphalt damage is inevitable at some point, even with proper maintenance, being aware of the common types of damage can help you spot any potential problems before they worsen.?
So, let’s look at what we should look for regarding asphalt pavement damage!
If you notice these damages, contact a?commercial asphalt paving Meriden?company immediately.
Potholes
Potholes are an unavoidable annoyance in many paved areas. These voids form throughout asphalt pavement due to environmental degradation, such as heavy rainfall and car traffic wearing away at the bitumen-aggregate blend.?
It is estimated that pothole repair costs U.S. taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Their effects go beyond being an eyesore; neglected potholes can destroy tires, cause damage to vehicles due to jolting, and lead to hazardous road conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike.?
Making regular assessments of roadways isn’t only critical for our safety but can help reduce spend on costly repairs down the line.
Corrugations
Corrugations, or ripples, in asphalt pavements are a widespread occurrence. The corrugation process develops from the mixture of loads and traffic on the pavement. If a pavement is heavily trafficked and means to repair it aren’t taken quickly enough, the asphalt can start to settle in certain areas.?
Over time, this oscillation will increasingly become more severe until ripples form on the road. These grooves cause a bumpy ride and lead to driver discomfort. It becomes especially problematic when divots start, increasing surface area for water accumulation and leading to further damage.?
Repairing or replacing these sections of roadway helps extend its lifespan while providing drivers a smoother ride.
Grade Depressions
Asphalt pavements are commonly used for roadways, parking lots, and driveways worldwide due to their low cost and adequate durability.?
Unfortunately, despite their many advantages, grade depressions in asphalt pavements can occur over time due to wear and tear from traffic loads or a temperature change.?
Grade depressions can be uncomfortable for drivers when the depressed area is large enough for them to feel through the tires. In addition, water or debris may accumulate in a grade depression area, making it difficult to traverse.?
Therefore, it is vital to recognize the signs of grade depression early on so you can forestall further damage or schedule maintenance work on your pavement.
Weathering
Asphalt pavements are used in roads, highways, airport runways, and other areas to provide a smooth and durable surface. However, they are vulnerable to weather-related damage caused by water, UV radiation from the sun, and oxidation from air.?
This type of damage is known as weathering. Such degradation can lead to cracking and deterioration of the asphalt surface, making it more susceptible to further damage, such as potholes or puddles forming over time.?
Therefore, routine inspection and maintenance of asphalt pavement surfaces are essential to prevent further widespread damage caused by weathering.?
Restorative measures must also be taken promptly, including sealing cracks with hot rubberized asphalt or resurfacing old pavements.
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