Why Does Water Cause Cracks in Pavement in Cold Climates?
The Impact of Water on Pavement Cracks
Water plays a crucial role in the development of cracks in pavement, especially in cold climates. The property of water that causes these cracks is its ability to expand when frozen. As temperatures drop, the water trapped in the pavement freezes and expands, exerting pressure on the surrounding materials.
The Contraction of Pavement
“As temperatures drop, the pavement contracts, building up tensile stresses that lead to cracking,” states MnDOT's Research Services Section. “Fractures occur every 20 to 30 feet across the lane, allowing water to penetrate the structure, which further weakens the pavement layer and the base beneath.”
This repetitive cycle of freezing and thawing, combined with the contraction of the pavement, creates a conducive environment for cracks to form. These cracks not only compromise the structural integrity of the pavement but also increase the risk of deterioration and potholes.
Which property of water causes the cracks in the pavement in cold climates? The property of water that causes the cracks in the pavement in cold climates is its ability to expand when frozen, exerting pressure on the surrounding materials as temperatures drop.