ALLIGATOR / CROCODILE CRACKING

HOW IT HAPPEN????

common type of distress in asphalt pavement is a series of interconnection cracks caused by fatigue failure of asphalt concrete surface under repeated traffic loading. Cracking begins at the bottom on the asphalt surface (base) where tensile stress and strain are highest under a wheel load. The cracks propagate to the surface initially as a series of parallel longitudinal cracks.

After repeated traffic loading, the cracks connect, forming many-sided, sharp-angled pieces that develop a pattern resembling chicken wire or the skin of an alligator. The pieces are less than 2 ft. (.6m) on the longest side. Alligator cracking occurs only in areas subjected to repeated traffic loading, such as wheel paths. Alligator cracking is considered a major structural distress and is often accompanied by rutting.

LOW SEVERITY ALLIGATOR

Fine, longitudinal hairline cracks running parallel to each other with one or only a few interconnecting cracks. The cracks are not stalled.

MEDIUM SEVERITY ALLIGATOR

Further development of light alligator cracking into a pattern or network of cracks that may be lightly stalled.

HIGH SEVERITY ALLIGATOR

Network or pattern cracking has progressed so that the pieces are well defined and stalled at the edges. Some pieces may rock under traffic. Potholes of all sizes are recorded as high severity alligator cracking.

CAUSES

Poor pavement thickness Overloading on asphalt pavement Poor drainage in the road bed is a frequent cause of this degradation of the base or subgrade A heavy spring thaw, similarly to poor drainage, can weaken the base course, leading to crocodile cracking

PREVENTATION

Reducing overloading on an asphalt pavement Improving drainage system Increase the depth of the asphalt layer