A Guide To The Visual Assessement of Flexible Pavement Surface Conditions JKR 20709 2060 92 PDF

JKR 20709-2060-92
A Guide To The
Visual Assessment of
Flexible Pavement
Surface Conditions
7.0m
5.0m
Roads Branch
Public Works Department Malaysia
Jalan Sultan Salahuddin
50582 Kuala Lumpur
A Guide To The Visual Assessement
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Of Flexible Pavement Surface Conditions
A GUIDE TO VISUAL ASSESSMENT OF

FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT SURFACE CONDITIONS
FOREWORD ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In Malaysia as well as in most other countries This guide is prepared by the Pavement
in the world, the road network remains the pre- Research Unit (Head: Ir Mohamed Shafii
dominant mode of transportation facility. To Mustafa). The authors of this guideline are Ir
ensure its continued efficiency and accessibili- Koid Teng Hye, Ir Mohamed Shafii Mustafa,
ty, the road network has to be maintained to a Mohd Sabri Hasim, Abd. Mutalif K. A. Abd.
high standard. Research work carried out at Hameed and Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Malek. The
Institut Kerja Raya Malaysia (IKRAM) has document forms part of a series of guidelines
enable Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Malaysia to on the design, construction and maintenance of
understand and develop improved techniques flexible pavements which the Pavement
for the maintenance of the road network. Research Unit produces as part of their studies.
It is the aspiration of JKR to be able to share The guide was reviewed by a Committee head-
this knowledge with those that are involved in ed by the Director of IKRAM, Ir Ng Chong
road building and maintenance activities. It is Yuen. Other members of the Committee were
therefore my pleasure to introduce this first edi-
tion of A Guide to Visual Assessment of Ir. Han Joke Kwang
Flexible Pavement Surface Conditions. - IKRAM
This guide, which is the first part of a series of Ir. Aik Siaw Kong
guidelines on road maintenance techniques has - Road Maintenance, Roads Branch
a two fold purpose. Firstly, it is to encourage
the usage of common nomenclature for the var- Ir. Tai Meu Choi
ious pavement conditions and secondly it hopes - Road Maintenance, Roads Branch
to promote more effective maintenance works
with the indication of the possible causes of Ir. Zainol Rashid Zainuddin
each different type of pavement distress and - Road Maintenance, Roads Branch;
their probable treatments.
Ir. Lee Swee Kee
It is my hope that this guideline will be of help - Road Design, Roads Branch.
to all who are involved in road maintenance
activities and contribute significantly towards The authors thank the Director General of
better maintenance techniques. Public Works Malaysia for his permission to
publish the guideline.
(Tan Sri Dato' Ir. Wan A. Rahman Yaacob)

Director General of Public Works
Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 1

A Guide To The Visual Assessment
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Of Flexible Pavement Surface Conditions.
CONTENTS used in one form or another by most road

Page departments and/or highway authorities as a
FOREWORD measure of the ability of the pavement to con-
tinue to provide the required service to the pub-
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT lic. More importantly, it is used in determining
deficiencies and inadequacies of pavements,
1.0. INTRODUCTION 2 the remedial measures to be taken, its fiscal
needs, planning and programming of pavement
CATALOGUE OF DISTRESSES maintenance and/or rehabilitation.
IN BITUMINOUS SURFACES 3
This guide is for the assessment of flexible
2.0. PAVEMENT CRACKS 3 road pavements only. Concrete pavements and
unpaved roads are not covered by this guide.
2.1. Crocodile 4
2.2. Block 5 The aims of this guide are :-
2.3. Longitudinal 6
2.4. Transverse 7 i) To provide a uniform nomenclature for
2.5. Edge 8 the description of visible pavement
2.6. Crescent Shaped 9 distresses.
3.0. SURFACE DEFORMATIONS 10 ii) to provide a comprehensive catalogue of

the major visible distress types.
3.1. Rutting 11
3.2. Corrugation 12 iii) To promote the usage of distress
3.3. Depression 13 recognition as an aid to the diagnosis of
3.4. Shoving 14 pavement deficiencies.
4.0 SURFACE DEFECTS 15 Pavement distresses are categorized and quanti-

fied. Illustrations of each category are provided
4.1. Bleeding 16 to lend uniformity to reporting and interpreta-
4.2. Ravelling 17 tion. Description of the severity of the particu-
4.3. Polishing 18 lar distress is made to conform with standard
4.4. Delamination 19 words that express the relative severity on a
low, moderate or high scale.
5.0. PATCH 20
The following data are also provided for each
6.0. POTHOLE 21 distress type :-
7.0. EDGE DEFECTS 22 i) Common synonym(s).
7.1. Edge Break 22 ii) Description of the essential features of

7.2. Edge Drop Off 23 the distress.
GLOSSARY 24 iii) Photographs of typical examples.
REFERENCES 25 iv) List of probable or most likely causes.
1.0. INTRODUCTION v) List of probable treatments.
Assessment of pavement surface conditions is

CATALOGUE OF DISTRESSES IN i) Depression.

FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS
ii) Fatigue life of the surfacing being
Manifestation of Distresses in flexible pave- exceeded.
ments can be categorized into one of the fol-
lowing types : iii) Age embrittlement of the surfacing.
a) Cracks iv) Reflection of cracks in underlying

layers.
b) Surface deformations
v) Shrinkage.
c) Surface defects
vi) Poor construction joints.
d) Patches
This section includes the following types of
e) Potholes cracks:
f) Eedge defects i) Crocodile cracks.
ii) Block cracks.

2.0. PAVEMENT CRACKS
iii) Longitudinal cracks.
Cracks are fissures resulting from partial or
complete fractures of the pavement surface. iv) Transverse cracks.
Cracking of road pavement surfaces can hap-
pen in a wide variety of patterns, ranging from v) Edge cracks.
isolated single crack to an interconnected pat-
tern extending over the entire pavement sur- vi) Crescent shaped cracks.
face. The detrimental effects associated with
the presence of cracks are : The general form of the various types of cracks
is illustrated in Fiqure 1.
i) Loss of water-proofing of the pavement
layers.
ii) Loss of load spreading ability of the

cracked material.
iii) Pumping and loss of fines from the

base course.
iv) Loss of riding quality through loss of

surfacing.
v) Loss of appearance. FIGURE 1 : TYPES OF CRACK
The loss of load spreading ability and water-

proofing will usually lead to accelerated deteri-
oration of the pavement condition. The possible
causes of cracks include :

CROCODILE CRACKS DESCRIPTION
Crocodile cracks are interconnected or inter-

laced cracks which form a network of multi-
sided blocks resembling the skin of a crocodile.
The block size can range from 100 mm to
about 300 mm.
Crocodile cracks is a consequence of the inabil-

ity of the structure to support the repeated loads
Low severity with interconnected due to a "softening" of the material normally
hairline cracks associated with increase in moisture content.
The cracks in the subbase or subgrade tend to
spread rapidly under rain and traffic causing

blocks of surfacing to be displaced and broken
up.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Moderate severity with lightly
Low
spalled cracks
Interconnected or interlaced hairline cracks
running parallel to each other; cracks not
spalled.
Moderate
A pattern of articulated pieces formed by
cracks that may be lightly spalled. Cracks may
be sealed.
High severity with severe spalling High

Pieces more severely spalled at edges and loos-
ened; pieces rock under traffic; pumping may
2.1. CROCODILE CRACKS exist.
SYNONYMS MEASUREMENTS TO BE TAKEN
Alligator, chicken wire, fish net, polygonal, a) area affected.

fatigue cracks. b) predominant crack width
c) predominant cell width.
NO. POSSIBLE CAUSES PROBABLE TREATMENTS
1. Inadequate pavement thickness Strengthen the pavement or reconstruction
2. Low modulus base Strengthen the base or reconstruction
3. Brittle base Base recycling or reconstruction
4. Poor base drainage Improve the drainage and reconstruct
5. Brittle wearing course Replace or treat wearing course

BLOCK CRACKS 2.2. BLOCK CRACKS
SYNONYM
Ladder cracks.
DESCRIPTION
Block cracks are interconnected cracks forming

a series of blocks, approximately rectangular in
Low severity with cracks' width < 3 mm
shape. Block sizes are usually greater than 300
mm and can exceed 3000 mm.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Blocks defined by unspalled cracks with a
mean width of 3 mm or less; cracks with
sealant in good condition.
Moderate severity with cracks' width > 3 mm Moderate

Blocks defined by moderately spalled cracks;
cracks with a mean width greater than 3 mm.
High
Blocks well defined by severely spalled cracks.
MEASUREMENTS TO BE TAKEN
a) area affected.
High severity with severely spalled cracks b) predominant crack width.
c) predominant cell width.
NO. POSSIBLE CAUSES PROBABLE TREAMENTS
1 Joints in underlying layer Crushed aggregate overlay
Shrinkage and fatigue of Replace underlying cemented materials

2
underlying cemented material
Shrinkage cracks (due to bitumen seal Seal cracks or replace bituminous

3
hardening) in bituminous surfacing surfacing
Fatigue cracks in embrittled bituminous Cut and patch or crushed aggregate

4
wearing course overlay

LONGITUDINAL CRACKS 2.3. LONGITUDINAL CRACKS
SYNONYM
Line cracks
DESCRIPTION
Longitudinal cracks are cracks which are usual-

ly straight and parallel to the centre line, situat-
Low severity single crack ed at or near the middle of the lane. It can hap-
without any spalling pen singly or as series of almost parallel cracks
or with some limited branching.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Cracks with low severity or no spalling; mean
unsealed crack width of 3 mm or less.
Moderate severity with crack's Moderate

width > 3 mm Cracks with moderately severe spalling; mean
unsealed crack width of greater than 3 mm;
sealant material in bad condition.
High
Cracks with high severity spalling.
High severity with multiple a) width of dominant crack.

spalled cracks b) length of dominant crack. c) spacing.
d) area affected.
NO POSSIBLE CAUSES PROBABLE TREATMENTS
1 reflection of shrinkage cracks cut and patch
poorly constructed paving lane

2 replace bituminous surfacing
in bituminous surfacing
displacement of joints at pavement
3 reconstruction of joints
widening
differential settlement between cut
4 reconstruction
and fill
reflection of joints in the underlying crushed aggregate overlay or reconsstruction
5
base of joints

TRANSVERSE CRACKS 2.4. TRANSVERSE CRACKS
Transverse cracks are unconnected cracks run-

ning transversely (relatively perpendicular to
pavement centre line) across the pavement.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Cracks with low severity or no spalling; mean
Low severity with crack's width unsealed crack width of 3 mm or less; sealant
< 3 mm without any spalling material in good condition.
Moderate
Cracks with moderate severity spalling; mean
unsealed crack width of greater than 3 mm;
sealant material in bad condition.
High
Cracks with high severity spalling.
Moderate severity with
crack's width > 3 mm
a) predominant crack width.

b) spacing.
c) length.
d) area affected.
High severity
with spalling
1. Reflection of shrinkage cracks Cut and patch
2. Construction joint in bituminous surfacing Ccrack sealant
Structural failure of portland cement

3. Rreconstruction of base
concrete base
Seal cracks or replace bituminous
4. Shrinkage crack in bituminous surfacing
surfacing
Crushed aggregate overlay or
5 Reflection of joints in the underlying base
reconstruction of joints

EDGE CRACKS 2.5. EDGE CRACKS
DESCRIPTION
Edge cracks are crescent shaped or fairly con-

tinuous cracks, parallel to, and usually within
300 mm to 600 mm of the pavement edge. It
usually occurs when paved shoulders do not
exist.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low severity with Low

no breakup or ravelling Cracks with no breakup or ravelling.
Moderate
Cracks with some breakup or ravelling.
High
Cracks with considerable breakup or ravelling
along edge.
Moderate severity with some breakup MEASUREMENTS TO BE TAKEN

b) area affected
c) length
High severity with

considerable breakup

Excessive traffic loading at Widen the pavement or strengthen the
1.
pavement edge pavement edge
Poor drainage at pavement edge
2. Improve drainage and shoulder
and shoulder
Inadequate pavement width which
3. Widen the pavement
forces traffic too close to pavement edge
4. Insufficient bearing support Reconstruction

CRESCENT SHAPED CRACKS 2.6. CRESCENT SHAPED CRACKS
SYNONYMS
Parabolic, slippage, shear cracks.
DESCRIPTION
This type of cracks are half moon or crescent

shaped cracks, commonly associated with
shoving, often occurring in closely spaced par-
Low severity with no breakup allel group. It is mainly associated with bitumi-
nous layer only.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Cracks with-no breakup or shoving.
Moderate
Cracks with some breakup or shoving.
Moderate severity with some breakup
High
Cracks with considerable breakup or
shoving.

b) area affected.
High severity with considerable
breakup and shoving
Lack of bond between wearing

1. Cut and patch
course and the underlying layers
2. Low modulus base course Reconstruction of base
3. Thin wearing course Bituminous overlay
Dragging of paver during laying when

4. Cut and patch
bituminous mix temperatures were low
High stresses due to braking Bituminous overlay with stiffer mix or use
5.
and acceleration movements high compaction mix (HCM)

FIGURE 2 : TYPE OF SURFACE DEFORMATION
3.0. SURFACE DEFORMATIONS The general form of the various types of sur-
face deformation is illustrated in
Deformation takes place when a road surface Figure 2.
undergoes changes from ifs original construct-
ed profile. It may occur after construction due
to trafficking or environmental influences. In
some cases, deformation may be built into a
new pavement owing to inadequate control
during construction. It influences the riding
quality of a pavement and may reflect structur-
al inadequacies. It may lead to cracking of the
surface layer.
The major types of surface deformation cov-

ered in this section are :
i) rutting.
ii) corrugation.
iii) depression.
iv) shoving.

RUTTING 3.1. RUTTING
SYNONYMS
Longitudinal rut.
DESCRIPTION
Rutting is longitudinal deformation or depres-

sion in the wheel paths which occur after
repeated applications of axle loading. It may
occur in one or both wheel paths of a lane. The
Low severity with rut depths < 12 mm
length to width ratio would normally be greater
than 4 to 1.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Rut depths of less than 12 mm (measured
under a transverse 1.2 m straight edge)
Moderate
Rut depths of between 12 mm to 25 mm (may
Moderate severity with rut depths
include slight longitudinal cracks).
between 12 mm to25mm
High
Rut depths of greater than 25 mm (may include
multiple longitudinal or crocodile cracks).
a) maximum depth under a transverse 1.2 m

straight edge.
b) length.
High severity with rut depths > 25 mm
1. Inadequate pavement thickness Strengthening overlay or reconstruction

Inadequate compaction of
2. Reconstruction
structural layers
Replace or recycle bituminous surfacing or
3. Unstable bituminous mixes
use stiffer mix/HCM
unstable shoulder materials which do shoulder improvement and overlay rutted
4.
not provide adequate lateral support area with bituminous surfacing
Overstressed subgrade which deforms
5. Reconstruction
permanently
6. Unstable granular bases or sub-bases Base or sub-base strengthening

CORRUGATIONS 3.2. CORRUGATIONS
SYNONYM
Rippling
DESCRIPTION
Corrugations are regular transverse undula-

tions, closely spaced alternate valleys and
crests with wavelengths of less than 2 m.
Low severity - noticeable Generally, it will result in a rough ride and will
become worse with time.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Noticeable (based on observation of its appear-
ance and its effect on riding quality).
Moderate
Rough ride.
Moderate severity causing rough ride
High
Very rough ride. Vehicle may lose control
because of its presence.
a) maximum depth under 1.2 m straight

edge.
b) crest to crest spacing.
c) length of pavement affected.
High severity causing very rough ride

Inadequate stability of bituminous
1. Replace bituminous surface
surface
2. Compaction of base in wave form Base reconstruction
Replace the faulty mixes and correct
3. Faulty paver behaviour with some mixes
the faulty paver behaviour
Heavy traffic on steep downgrade or mill off corrugated surface and replace
4.
upgrade with stiffer mix or use HCM
Stopping at intersection stop lights Mill off corrugated surface and replace
5.
or roundabout with stiffer mix or use HCM
6. Inadequate stability of base course Base reconstruction

DEPRESSIONS 3.3. DEPRESSIONS
SYNONYM
Distortions.
DESCRIPTION
Depressions are localized areas within a pave-

ment with elevations lower than the surround-
ing area. They may not be confined to wheel
Low severity with noticeable paths only but may extend across several wheel
swaying motion paths. Generally, it results from settlement,
slope failure, or volume changes due to mois-
ture changes.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Noticeable swaying motion. Good control of
vehicle still present. (Based on the interaction
between vehicle and pavement surface depres-
sion).
Moderate severity with fair
control of vehicle
Moderate
Fair control of vehicle when driving over pave-
ment.
High
Poor control of vehicle when driving over
pavement with driver always having to antici-
pate depression ahead.
High severity with poor
control of vehicle a) maximum depth under 1.2 m straight
edge.
b) area of depression.

differential settlement of subgrade or base
1. subgrade or base reconstruction
materials
settlement of services and/or widening reconstruction of services and/or
2.
trenches widening trenches
volume change of subgrade due to improve sub-soil drainage and
3.
environmental influences reconstruct
settlement due to instability of
4. embankment stabilization
embankment

SHOVINGS 3.4, SHOVINGS
DESCRIPTION
Shoving is the bulging of the road surface gen-

erally parallel to the direction of traffic and/or
horizontal displacement of surfacing materials,
mainly in the direction of traffic where braking
or acceleration movements occur, caused by
traffic pushing against the pavement.
Transverse shoving may arise with turning
Low severity with movements.
noticeable swaying motion
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Noticeable. (Based on observation of its
appearance and its effect on riding quality).
Moderate
Rough ride.
Moderate severity High

resulting in rough ride Very rough ride. Vehicle may lose control
because of its presence.
a) maximum depth of bulge under 1.2 m

straight edge from high point.
b) area affected.
High severity resulting

in very rough ride

Mill off and replacehe
1. Low stability mix
bituminous surfacing
Lack of bond between asphalt surface and
Replace bituminous surfacing
2. underlying layer which may be caused by
with lower binder content mix
excessive tack coat acting as lubricant
Ustable granular base reflecting through the
3. Base reconstruction
surface
Stop and start of vehicles at intersections or Mill off and replace with stiffer mix or
4.
roundabout use HCM
5. Inadequate pavement thickness Bituminous overlay or reconstruction

FIGURE 3 : TYPES OF SURFACE DEFECTS
4.0. SURFACE DEFECTS
Surface defects cover loss of surfacing materi-

als, loss of surface micro and macro textures.
While they do not usually indicate pavement
structural inadequacy, they have a significant
influence on the serviceability and safety of a
pavement, especially with regard to skid resist-
ance, maneuverability and riding quality. Some
defects, if not corrected, may lead to subse-
quent loss of pavement structural integrity.
The major types of surface defects are:
i) bleeding.
ii) ravelling.
iii) polishing.
iv) delamination.
The general form of the various defect types is

illustrated in Figure 3.

BLEEDING 4.1. BLEEDING
SYNONYMS
Flushing, fatting, slick, black spot.
DESCRIPTION
Bleeding is the presence of free bitumen binder

on the surface resulting from upward migration
of the binder, causing low texture depth and
Low severity with visible inadequate tyre to stone contact. It is most like-
colouring of pavement surface ly to occur in the wheel paths during hot
weather.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Colouring of pavement surface visible.
Moderate
Distinctive appearance with excess bitumen
Moderate severity with excess already free.
bitumen already free
High
Free bitumen which gives the pavement sur-
face a wet look. Tyre marks are evident.
a) area affected.
b) percentage by area of stone immersed.
High severity which gives the

pavement surface a wet look

Excessive application of binder with respect to the
stone size. On hot days, the binder expands into air
voids; if volume of air voids is too low, continued Apply hot sand to blot up the
1.
expansion results in lower stability of the mix with the excess binder
consequence that traffic will force out excess binder to
the surface.
Paving over flushed surfaces. The excess bitumen on
Apply hot sand or aggregate
2. the old surface may coat be pumped up through the
seal coat
new paving over a period of time
3. Paving over excessively primed surfaces Apply hot sand

RAVELLING 4.2. RAVELLING
SYNONYM
Fretting.
DESCRIPTION
Ravelling is the progressive disintegration of

the pavement surface by loss of binder or
aggregates or both.
Low severity where wearing away of the
aggregate has not progressed significantly SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Wearing away of the aggregate or binder has
started but has not progressed significantly.
Moderate
Aggregate and/or binder has worn away and
the surface texture is becoming rough and pit-
ted. Loose particles generally exist.
Moderate severity with worn
away aggregate and binder High
Aggregate and/or binder has worn away and
the surface texture is very rough and pitted.
MEASUREMENT TO BE TAKEN
a) area affected.
High severity with rough

and pitted surface
1. Insufficient bitumen content Thin bituminous overlay
Poor adhesion of bitumen binder to

2. Thin bituminous overlay
aggregate particles due to wet aggregate
Inadequate compaction or construction

3. Thin bituminous overlay
fduring wet weather
4. Deterioration of binder and/or aggregate Thin bituminous overlay

POLISHING 4.3. POLISHING
DESCRIPTION
Polishing is the smoothening and rounding of

the upper surface of the roadstone, exposing
coarse aggregate which are glossy in appear-
ance and smooth to the touch. It usually occurs
in the wheel paths.
Smoothening and rounding of the upper sur- SEVERITY LEVELS

face of the roadstone has started
Not applicable. However, the degree of polish-
ing may be reflected in a reduction of skid
resistance.
MEASUREMENT TO BE TAKEN
a) area affected.
Coarse aggregate exposed
Smoothening and rounding of the roadstone

has progressed significantly
Inadequate resistance to polishing of surface

aggregates, particularly in areas of heavy Thin bituminous overlay or use of
1.
traffic movements or where high stresses are stiffer mix or use HCM
developed between surface and tyres
2. Use of naturally smooth uncrushed aggregates Thin bituminous overlay

DELAMINATION 4.4. DELAMINATION
SYNONYMS
Peeling, surface lifting, seal break, flaking
DESCRIPTION
Delamination is the loss of a discrete and large

(minimum 0.01 square metre) area of the wear-
ing course. Usually there is a clear delineation
Low severity where peeling of of the wearing course and the layer below.
the top surface has started
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Peeling of the top layer has started but has not
progressed significantly. Surface area peeled
off is less than 0.1 m2.
Moderate
Surface area peeled off is between 0.1 m2 to
2.5 m2. Severe crocodile cracks in and around
Moderate severity with surface area the peeled off area.
peeled off between 0.1 m2 and 2.5 m2
High
A group of more than two (2) moderate delam-
inations along a short stretch of road.
a) thickness of layer(s) peeled off.

b) area of individual delaminations.
c) number of delaminations.
High severity with group of delaminations

Inadequate cleaning or inadequate t coat
1. Tack mill off and re-lay upper layers
obefore placement of upper layers
Seepage of water through asphalt,
Replace wearing course or thin
2. especially in cracks, to break bond between
bituminous overlay
surface and lower layers
Weak, loose layer immediately underlying
3. Reconstruction of weak layers
seal
4. Adhesion of surface binder to vehicle tyres Thin bituminous overlay

PATCH 5.0. PATCH
DESCRIPTION
A patch is a repaired section of pavement

where a portion of the pavement surface has
been removed and replaced (see FIGURE 4). It
may or may not be associates) with either a
loss of serviceability (apart from a loss of
appearance) or structural capacity. The `extent
and frequency of patching can be useful indica-
tors of the structural adequacy of the pavement.
Patch with low severity distress Defects can occur within a patch or the patch
can be a further defect where it is raised or
depressed below the level of the pavement sur-
face.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Low
Patch is in good condition or has low severity
distress of any type. Moderate
Patch has moderate severity distress of any
Patch with moderate severity distress type.
High
Patch has high severity distress of any type.
a) area of patch at each severity level.

b) number of patches at each severity level.
Patch with high severity distress
FIGURE 4 : PATCH AND POTHOLE

POTHOLE 6.0. POTHOLE
DESCRIPTION
Pothole is bowl shaped cavity in the pavement

surface resulting from the loss of wearing
course and binder course materials (see FIG-
URE 4). They are produced when traffic
breaches small pieces of the pavement surface
allowing the entry of water. These spots disin-
tegrate because of the weakening of the base
Low severity with area < 0.3 m2 course or poor quality surfacing. Free water
and depth < 25 mm collecting in the hole and the underlying base
accelerates its development.
SEVERITY LEVELS
a) depth of pothole.
b) area of pothole.
c) number of potholes at each severity level.
Moderate severity with depth
between 25 mm to 50 mm and area < 0.3 m2
.
Group of potholes with depth > 50 mm

and area > 0.1 m2
AREA (square metre)
DEPTH (mm) < 0.1 0.1 -0.3 > 0.3
< 25 Low Low Moderate
25-50 Moderate Moderate High
> 50 Moderate High High
1. Loss of surface course Patching

Moisture entry to base course through a cracked
2. Cut and patch
pavement surface
3. Load associated disintegration of base Base reconstruction

EDGE BREAKS
Edge break has just started
FIGURE 5 : TYPES OF EDGE DEFECTS
7.0. EDGE DEFECTS
Edge defects occur along the interface of flexi-

ble pavement and the shoulder, and are most
significant where the shoulder is unsealed. The
detrimental effects of edge defects include : Edge break with considerable breakup
i) reduction of pavement width.
ii) loss of quality of ride and possible loss

of control of vehicle.
iii) channelling of water at the edge of the

pavement leading to erosion of shoulder.
iv) entry of water into base. Significant length of edge break

and surfacing loss
The defect types covered in this section are
7.1. EDGE BREAKS
i) edge break.
DESCRIPTION
ii) edge drop-off.
Edge break occurs when the edge of the bitu-
The general form is illustrated in Figure 5. minous surface are fretted, or broken.
SEVERITY LEVELS
Not applicable.
a) length over which break occurs.
b) maximum width of surfacing loss.

NO POSSIBLE CAUSES PROBABLE TREATMENTS

1. Inadequate pavement width Widen the pavement
Alignment which encourages drivers
2. Pavement widening and realignment
totravel on pavement edge
3. Inadequate edge support Shoulder strengthening
Sstrengthening and levelling of shoulder
4. Edge drop-off
with road surface
5. Loss of adhesion to base Cut and patch or bituminous overlay
EDGE DROP-OFFS 7.2. EDGE DROP-OFFS
DESCRIPTION
Edge drop-off is the difference in elevation

between the traffic lane and outside shoulder;
typically occurs when the outside shoulder set-
tles or erodes. It is not usually considered a
defect if the drop-off is less than 25 mm.
SEVERITY LEVEL
Slight drop-off
Not applicable. However, severity levels can be
defined in relation to the height of drop.
a) height of drop.
b) length affected.
Significant drop-off
Height of drop > 100 mm.

It is a danger to traffic
No. POSSIBLE CAUSES PROBABLE TREATMENTS
1 Inadequate pavement width Widen the pavement
Shoulder material with inadequate
2 Replace shoulder material and reconstruct
resistance to erosion and abrasion
Resurfacing of pavement without
3 Levelling of shoulder with road surface
resurfacing of shoulder
GLOSSARY Delamination
Loss of a discrete and large (minimum 0.01
Binder m2) area of the top bituminous layer
Brown or black adhesive mate rial
Depression
Bituminous overlay Localized area within a pavement with eleva-
A method of treat ment where the existing tions lower than the surrounding area
pave ment surface is overlaid with bituminous
materials Edge break
Broken or fretted pavement edge
Bleeding
Identified by a film of bitumi nous material on Edge crack
the pavement surface that creates a shiny, Fracture along the pavement edge
glass-like, reflective surface that nay be tacky
to the touch Edge drop-off
The difference in elevation between the traffic
Block crack lane and the shoulder
The occurrence of cracks that divide the bitu-
minous surface into approximately rectangular Hairline crack
pieces, typically 0.1 m2 or more in size A fracture that is very narrow in width
Centre line Longitudinal

The white/yellow separating traffic travelling in Parallel to the centre line of the pavement
opposite direction
Patch
Construction joint An area where the pavement has been removed
The point at which work is concluded and and replaced with a new material
reinitiated when building a pavement
Polishing
Corrugation Smoothening of the upper surface of the road
Regular transverse undulations, closely spaced stone, exposing coarse aggregate, which are
alternate valleys and crests with wavelengths of glossy in appearance and smooth to the touch
less than 2 m.
Pothole
Crescent shaped crack A bowl-shaped cavity in the pavement surface
Crack which is half moon or crescent in shape,
normally associated with shoving Pumping
The ejection of water and fine materials under
Crocodile crack pressure through cracks under moving loads
Interconnected or interlaced crack which form
a network of multisided blocks; the block sizes Ravelling
are smaller than 300 mm. The wearing away of the pavement surface
caused by the loss of binder or the dislodging
Cut and patch of aggregate particles or both
A treatment where the distressed area is exca-
vated and patched back with bituminous mate- Rutting
rials The occurrence of longitudinal surface depres-
sion/deformation in the wheel paths

Shoving
Permanent, longitudinal displacement of a
localized area of the pavement surface caused
by traffic pushing against the pavement
Spalling
Breaking or cutting off small pieces from the
pavement surface
Transverse
Perpendicular to the centre line of the pave-
ment
REFERENCES
1. A Guide to the Visual Assessment of

Pavement Condition, National
Association of Australia State Road
Authorities, 1987.
2. Distress Identification Manual for the

Long-Term Pavement Performance
Studies, SHRPLTPP/FR-90-001,
Strategic Highway Research Program,
National Research Council,
Washington, D.C. 1990.
3. Manual for Condition Rating of

Flexible Pavements - Distress
Manifestation, G.J. Chong, W.A. Phang
and G.A. Wrong; Reprinted January
1982.
4. Various Research Findings at IKRAM.

A Guide To The Visual Assessement of Flexible Pavement Surface Conditions JKR 20709 2060 92 PDF

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JKR 20709-2060-92

A GUIDE TO VISUAL ASSESSMENT OF

(Tan Sri Dato' Ir. Wan A. Rahman Yaacob)

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 1

CONTENTS used in one form or another by most road

3.0. SURFACE DEFORMATIONS 10 ii) to provide a comprehensive catalogue of

4.0 SURFACE DEFECTS 15 Pavement distresses are categorized and quanti-

7.0. EDGE DEFECTS 22 i) Common synonym(s).

7.1. Edge Break 22 ii) Description of the essential features of

GLOSSARY 24 iii) Photographs of typical examples.

REFERENCES 25 iv) List of probable or most likely causes.

1.0. INTRODUCTION v) List of probable treatments.

Assessment of pavement surface conditions is

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 2

CATALOGUE OF DISTRESSES IN i) Depression.

a) Cracks iv) Reflection of cracks in underlying

f) Eedge defects i) Crocodile cracks.

ii) Block cracks.

ii) Loss of load spreading ability of the

iii) Pumping and loss of fines from the

iv) Loss of riding quality through loss of

v) Loss of appearance. FIGURE 1 : TYPES OF CRACK

The loss of load spreading ability and water-

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 3

CROCODILE CRACKS DESCRIPTION

Crocodile cracks are interconnected or inter-

Crocodile cracks is a consequence of the inabil-

spread rapidly under rain and traffic causing

High severity with severe spalling High

SYNONYMS MEASUREMENTS TO BE TAKEN

Alligator, chicken wire, fish net, polygonal, a) area affected.

NO. POSSIBLE CAUSES PROBABLE TREATMENTS

1. Inadequate pavement thickness Strengthen the pavement or reconstruction

2. Low modulus base Strengthen the base or reconstruction

3. Brittle base Base recycling or reconstruction

4. Poor base drainage Improve the drainage and reconstruct

5. Brittle wearing course Replace or treat wearing course

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 4

BLOCK CRACKS 2.2. BLOCK CRACKS

Block cracks are interconnected cracks forming

Moderate severity with cracks' width > 3 mm Moderate

NO. POSSIBLE CAUSES PROBABLE TREAMENTS

1 Joints in underlying layer Crushed aggregate overlay

Shrinkage and fatigue of Replace underlying cemented materials

Shrinkage cracks (due to bitumen seal Seal cracks or replace bituminous

Fatigue cracks in embrittled bituminous Cut and patch or crushed aggregate

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 5

LONGITUDINAL CRACKS 2.3. LONGITUDINAL CRACKS

Longitudinal cracks are cracks which are usual-

Moderate severity with crack's Moderate

High severity with multiple a) width of dominant crack.

NO POSSIBLE CAUSES PROBABLE TREATMENTS

1 reflection of shrinkage cracks cut and patch

poorly constructed paving lane

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 6

TRANSVERSE CRACKS 2.4. TRANSVERSE CRACKS

Transverse cracks are unconnected cracks run-

a) predominant crack width.

NO. POSSIBLE CAUSES PROBABLE TREATMENTS

1. Reflection of shrinkage cracks Cut and patch

2. Construction joint in bituminous surfacing Ccrack sealant

Structural failure of portland cement

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 7