What Is A Railroad Tie? A railroad tie is a rectangular support structure made of either wood, concrete, or metal that provides physical stability and a firm base for railroad tracks. Railroad ties are typically sunk into the ground in an alternating sequence to counteract the movement caused by the passing trains. The metal rail […]
What Is Longitudinal Cracking in Pavement? Longitudinal cracking is a type of pavement distress that occurs when cracks form along the direction of traffic flow. This type of cracking often happens as a result of temperature fluctuations, overloads or vibrations due to high-speed traffic and occurs when asphalt layers fail to bond correctly. Longitudinal cracks […]
What Is Alligator Cracking In Asphalt Roads? Alligator cracking, also known as crocodile cracking, is a type of surface failure characterized by interconnected cracks forming in asphalt pavement. It is caused by fatigue or stabilization from the weakened subgrade beneath it and water seeping into the pavement. Alligator cracking can be minimized through preventative maintenance […]
What is Asphalt Stripping? Asphalt stripping is essentially the opposite of asphalt raveling. Rather than the top layer disintegrating and exposing the lower layers, it is the lower layers that fall apart first, weakening and damaging the upper ones. More specifically, aggregate materials and asphalt binder at the bottom of the asphalt layer start to […]
What Is Block Cracking In Flexible & Rigid Pavement? Block cracking in pavement is a type of distress that occurs due to environmental factors such as temperature extremes, moisture, and ultraviolet radiation. In pavements, the stress or strain is usually caused by thermal stresses or curling of the concrete slab causing joint/crack misalignment or shrinkage […]
What Is A Corrugation In Pavement? A corrugation in pavement is an irregular wavy pattern that forms on the surface of asphalt or concrete roads. It is caused by several factors such as poor drainage, heavy traffic, and improper construction methods. Corrugations can range from small bumps to deep ruts that make driving difficult and […]
What Is A Transverse Cracking in Concrete Pavement? Transverse Cracking is a type of cracking caused by tension forces perpendicular to the direction of applied loads. It often occurs when normal traffic causes the pavement surface to flex in response to the loads and can be seen as parallel cracks running along the road surface […]
What is Depression in the Pavement? Pavement depression is a term used to describe a small area of the pavement surface slightly lower in elevation than the surrounding pavement. These depressions may not be noticeable until after it rains and water pools in the depression, creating a small “birdbath” area. These issues can occur due […]
What Is Subgrade Layer In Road? A subgrade layer in a road is the layer of material (usually soil, gravel or asphalt) that lies underneath the pavement or road surface. It is the foundation upon which the entire pavement structure is built. It provides support to the pavement and helps to distribute the load evenly […]
What Does Freeway Mean In Road Construction? In road construction, a freeway is an access-controlled, divided highway designed for the unimpeded movement of large volumes of traffic. It is characterized by controlled access through the use of ramps and separation of traffic traveling in opposite directions. Freeways are distinct from highways in that they do […]