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What causes potholes in asphalt paving?


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Updated: 01/04/2016
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Answer: Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the asphalt, freezes, and expands. This weakens the pavement, and traffic pressure breaks it apart, creating a hole.
Baker Asphalt Inc, & Sealcoating
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/
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Various Causes : 1. Poor material 2. oil leaks 3. segregation 4. poor sub grade 5. grade issues 6. ponding water
Cross Roads Paving LLc
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
ProMatcher
Answer: From water freezing and contracting while units drive over it.
All Stripe Texas
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Heavy traffic, un-maintenance driveway/parking lot
A & J's Sealcoating
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Poor job from the start The age of the asphalt water and freeze damage
Patgormansealcoating
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Cracks crack filler if nothe put in right and cleaned really good be u put in
HAMMER & SONS CONSTRUCTION
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
Answer: Water. Oil spots
True Seal
ProMatcher
Answer: Oil,water.etc
WK Construction and paving
Answer: Oil gas. Spills. Oxidation ravell. Pavment. Drys. Out. Gets. Loose. And. Then. Holes. Appear
NICHOLS ASPHALT
Answer: Base fail
PC Paving Llc.
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