Fatigue Cracking

Description

Occurs in areas subjected to repeated traffic loadings (wheel paths). Can be a series of interconnected cracks in early stages of development. Develops into many-sided, sharp-angled pieces, usually less than 0.3 meters (m) on the longest side, characteristically with a chicken wire/alligator pattern, in later stages.

Must have a quantifiable area.

Severity Levels

Low
An area of cracks with no or only a few connecting cracks; cracks are not spalled or sealed; pumping is not evident.

Moderate
An area of interconnected cracks forming a complete pattern; cracks may be slightly spalled; cracks may be sealed; pumping is not evident.

High
An area of moderately or severely spalled interconnected cracks forming a complete pattern; pieces may move when subjected to traffic; cracks may be sealed; pumping may be evident.

How to Measure

Record square meters of affected area at each severity level. If different severity levels existing within an area cannot be distinguished, rate the entire area at the highest severity present.