At The BIM Engineers, strong foundations are essential for any project. This applies to buildings and the infrastructure that connects them – our roads and pavements. One of the most common issues asphalt pavements face is cracking. Left untreated, these cracks can worsen, leading to costly repairs and safety hazards.
Common Types of Asphalt Cracks:
- Longitudinal Cracking: These cracks run parallel to traffic flow and can be caused by shrinkage, weak subbases, or improper construction.
- Transverse Cracking: These cracks run perpendicular to traffic flow and often indicate fatigue from heavy loads or weather extremes.
- Alligator Cracking: This interconnected web of cracks resembles alligator skin and suggests deeper structural problems.
- Block Cracking: Rectangular-shaped cracks in a grid pattern are caused by asphalt shrinkage due to aging or improper mix design.
- Edge Cracking: Cracks running along the pavement edge often point to poor drainage, weak shoulders, or traffic weight.
Causes of Asphalt Cracking:
- Traffic Loads: Heavy or excessive traffic volume can put undue stress on the pavement, leading to fatigue cracking.
- Weather: Freeze-thaw cycles, extreme heat, and excessive moisture can contribute to cracking through expansion and contraction.
- Subgrade Issues: Weak or poorly compacted subgrade materials can fail to support the pavement, causing settlement and cracking.
- Improper Drainage: Water that doesn't drain properly can seep into the pavement base, causing weakening and cracking.
- Aging Asphalt: Over time, asphalt loses its flexibility and becomes more prone to cracking.
Treatments for Asphalt Cracks:
- Crack Sealing: For smaller cracks (less than ? inch wide), a hot tar compound is applied to fill and seal the crack, preventing water infiltration.
- Crack Routing and Filling: Wider cracks require routing (enlarging) the crack and filling it with asphalt material or specialized patching compounds.
- Asphalt Overlays: When cracking is widespread, an asphalt overlay – a new layer of asphalt – may be necessary to restore the pavement surface.
- Reconstruction: In severe cases, complete pavement reconstruction may be required.
The BIM Engineers: Your Partner in Strong Infrastructure
At The BIM Engineers, we understand the importance of proactive infrastructure maintenance. By identifying and addressing asphalt cracks early, you can save money on future repairs and ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers.
Stay tuned for our next newsletter where we'll delve deeper into BIM for infrastructure projects!
#AsphaltMaintenance #CrackRepair #Infrastructure #BIM
Architect at AtkinsRéalis with expertise in Building Information Modelling (BIM)
12 个月Just use bituminous concrete ??