Answer:
Potholes in asphalt paving are primarily caused by the combination of water infiltration, freeze-thaw cycles, and the stress of traffic. Here’s how the process works:
- Water seeps into cracks in the asphalt and reaches the underlying layers[1][2][5].
- When temperatures drop, the trapped water freezes and expands, pushing the pavement upward[1][3][5].
- As temperatures rise, the ice melts, leaving a gap beneath the surface[1][3][5].
- The weight of vehicles passing over these weakened spots causes the pavement to break and collapse, forming a pothole[1][2][3][5].
Poor drainage, aging asphalt, heavy traffic, and temperature fluctuations all accelerate this process[2][6][8].
Citations:
[1] What Causes Potholes? | Sable Asphalt | Akron OH https://sableasphalt.com/what-causes-potholes/
[2] What Causes Potholes? (And How to Prevent Them) https://www.tensarinternational.com/resources/articles/what-causes-potholes
[3] Potholes in Asphalt: What Causes Them and How are They Fixed? https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog/potholes-in-asphalt-what-causes-them-and-how-are-they-fixed
[4] [PDF] What causes a pothole? https://www.kitsap.gov/pw/Documents/Pothole_factsheet_2020.pdf
[5] Asphalt Potholes: How They Form and How to Fix Them https://cassidypaving.com/asphalt-potholes-how-they-form-and-how-to-fix-them/
[6] 5 top causes of asphalt damage - Green Street Blacktop https://greenstreetblacktop.com/5-top-causes-of-asphalt-damage/
[7] How are potholes created? : r/askscience - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/ar7tkq/how_are_potholes_created/
[8] Ask a Mizzou expert: Why do potholes form on roads? https://showme.missouri.edu/2024/ask-a-mizzou-expert-why-do-potholes-form-on-roads/
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| KRYPTONITE PRO CLEAN LLC |
Answer: Potholes in asphalt paving are primarily caused by the combination of water infiltration, temperature fluctuations, and traffic stress. Water seeps into cracks in the asphalt, weakening the base layer beneath. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, causing the asphalt to shift and crack further. As vehicles drive over these weakened areas, the pressure causes the asphalt to break apart, forming a pothole. Over time, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, poor drainage, and lack of maintenance accelerate pothole formation. |
| Premier Lot Solutions |
Answer: Potholes in asphalt paving are primarily caused by the expansion and contraction of water that has seeped into the pavement. This process, combined with the wear and tear from traffic, weakens the asphalt surface and eventually leads to the formation of potholes. Here's a detailed breakdown:
1. Water infiltration: Cracks or small openings on the asphalt surface allow water to seep into the pavement. This can be due to poor drainage, heavy rainfall, or melting snow and ice.
2. Freeze-thaw cycles: In colder climates, water that has entered the pavement can freeze during winter months. When water freezes, it expands and forces the asphalt to crack and weaken. As temperatures rise and the ice melts, the water seeps deeper into the pavement, causing further damage.
3. Wear and tear: As vehicles pass over the weakened sections of the asphalt, the pavement becomes further stressed, leading to cracking, deformation, and the eventual formation of potholes. This process is accelerated under heavy traffic, particularly with large commercial vehicles.
4. Inadequate maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance of asphalt surfaces, such as sealcoating and prompt repair of cracks, can contribute to the development of potholes over time.
5. Poor construction: Improper installation or use of low-quality materials can result in a weaker pavement structure that is more susceptible to pothole formation. |
| Red River Striping & Parking Lot Services |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: When ur asphalt gets all cracked up and water or weeds starts to get in it |
| Denton's sealcoating |
Answer: Alot things can cause it |
| Wells Paving LLC |
Answer: Weather changes, amount of traffic, poor construction, and excessive weight for pavement thickness all can lead to potholes. |
| Waterworx Pressure Washing |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Either from untreated cracking in surface or from failed subgrade |
| Serviceworks unlimited |
Answer: Weak soil under the asphalt causes potholes.. |
| Star Power Junk Removal |
Answer: customer not maintaining asphalt properly |
| A-Tex H&R |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: water getting into the base
poor base or subsoils such as clay
poor paving job or too thin or poor compaction |
| Dumor Construction Inc |
Answer: The base has been compromised or was not properly stabilized |
| TRUESTRONG Paving co |
Answer: Potholes are caused from not repairing cracks right away and weak base |
| The Asphalt Company |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Water damages the base |
| Prestigious Asphalt & Concrete llc |
Answer: Generally speaking potholes are caused by excessive cracks and water deteriorating the sub base. |
| CPR Asphalt Maintenance |
Answer: Water in small cracks make it bigger over time hot and cold. and ground under opens |
| Saul Reyes Contracting. |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: A pothole is a structural failure in an asphalt pavement, caused by the presence of water in the underlying soil structure and the presence of traffic passing over the affected area. Introduction of water to the underlying soil structure first weakens the supporting soil |
| All Brite Striping |
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| True Seal |
Answer: Failure of the base underneath |
| Stripe it Right |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Oil gas. Spills. Oxidation ravell. Pavment. Drys. Out. Gets. Loose. And. Then. Holes. Appear |
| NICHOLS ASPHALT |
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| PC Paving Llc. |