34 Asphalt can crack in a number of ways, including longitudinal cracks that run parallel to the laydown direction, transverse cracks that run perpendicular and block cracks that look like large rectangles. Cracks can be caused by a number of things, including poor joint structure, heavy traffic and temperature cycles. Asphalt can also experience distortion, disintegration, skidding hazards and surface treatment distresses. Some common causes of asphalt damage include: • Poor drainage. • Heavy vehicles driving too close to the edge of the road. • Climate influences. • Materials quality problems. • Construction deficiencies. • Utility cuts. PREVENTATIVE MEASURES • In instances where there is a 2” drop from the edge of the asphalt to the shoulder, it is considered an edge drop. It is important to expedite addressing this as it is a safety issue. • To protect and help support the edges of the new pavement, best practice is to install stone, gravel or topsoil around its perimeter. • Avoid leaks or spills of gasoline, fuel oil, lubricants and other petroleum‑based products on the pavement. SURFACE OR SHOULDER DAMAGE Asphalt roads can experience damage to both the surface and the shoulder wherein the vertical distance between the paved surface and the unpaved shoulder increases. This can happen when the pavement edges erode, and is often caused by inadequate construction. Drop‑offs can be dangerous for drivers, especially smaller vehicles.
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