This video shows the reasons pavements crack and fail. Pavements are made from different materials. Usually, the common materials include asphalt, cement, steel, or natural aggregate used in road bases.
Asphalt is among the most preferred materials used in commercial paving worldwide. It is usually mixed with aggregate and compacted to form a solid and durable surface.
Although very durable, asphalts can wear over time.
Several signs may indicate that asphalt pavement is failing. These can include sinkholes, potholes, or cracks in the pavement. These may signal that the pavement needs to be inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
However, what causes pavements to crack? Pavements may crack for many reasons, but the common ones are poor drainage, tree roots, and oxidation. An oxidized pavement is exposed to oxygen and may cause the binder to leave the asphalt.
With time, the pavement may also fail because the sand has been washed away, or there is dirt in the void. The presence of cracks in the pavement is a sign that the pavement should be resurfaced and maintained. Maintenance should be done thrice in ten years to avoid failure.
