Common Types of Concrete Pavement Damage: Causes & Professional Solutions

While concrete pavements are renowned for their ​high strength and stability, they gradually develop various damages and deformations after prolonged use. These issues are collectively termed ​​"pavement distress"​. Below we detail the most common engineering defects in concrete pavements.

​1. Cracking​

Concrete pavement cracks are categorized into:

​A. Transverse Cracks​

• ​Causes: Concrete shrinkage (from moisture loss/temperature changes) or delayed joint cutting.

• ​Characteristics: Regularly spaced cracks ​perpendicular to traffic direction.

  
  

​B. Longitudinal Cracks​

• ​Causes: Poor ​subgrade compaction, uneven settlement, or improper fill materials.

• ​Characteristics: Parallel cracks along pavement alignment.

  
  

​C. Alligator (Map) Cracking​

• ​Causes: Weak concrete mix, poor ​base support, or freeze-thaw cycles.

• ​Characteristics: Interconnected cracks resembling reptile skin.

  
  

​D. Corner Breaks​

• ​Causes: Heavy ​axle loads, inadequate base support, or warping stress.

• ​Characteristics: Diagonal cracks extending from slab corners.

  
  

• 2. Surface Damage

  

  ​A. Scaling & Spalling​

  • ​Causes: Over-finishing, deicer chemicals, or freeze-thaw damage.

  • ​Characteristics: Flaking surface layer exposing aggregate.

    
    

    ​B. Pitting & Aggregate Exposure​

  • ​Causes: Poor consolidation, aggregate contamination, or erosion.

  • ​Characteristics: Rough surfaces with exposed stones.

    
    

  • ​C. Polished Aggregate​

  • ​Causes: Low-quality aggregates with poor ​skid resistance.

  • ​Characteristics: Glossy, slippery surfaces in high-traffic areas.

    
    

    ​D. Potholes & Popouts​

  • ​Causes: Water infiltration, clay-rich aggregates, or heavy loads.

  • ​Characteristics: Bowl-shaped holes or surface cavities.

    
    

    3. Blowups (Buckling)​

    

    • ​Causes: Blocked ​expansion joints, insufficient joint spacing, or extreme heat.

    • ​Characteristics: Sudden upward slab warping near joints.

      
      

      4. Faulting (Vertical Displacement)

      

      ​​Causes: Poor drainage, ​pumping erosion, or joint failure.

    • ​Characteristics: Step-like differences at slab edges.

      
      

      5. Pumping & Mudjacking

      

  • ​Causes: Water + fine sediments + heavy vehicle loads.

  • ​Characteristics: Mud ejection at joints causing voids.

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  ​Professional Repair Recommendations​

  • ​Epoxy injection​ for structural cracks

  • ​Polymer-modified patching​ for potholes

  • ​Diamond grinding​ for surface leveling