Condition

A significant percentage of the surface suffers with interconnecting cracks that visually resemble the pattern on an alligator hide, hence the term "alligatoring." These cracks begin at the bottom of the layer of asphalt and due to the flexing action of asphalt over an unstable base; the cracks have progressed through the thickness of the asphalt layers until they have become visible.

By the time they are visible on the surface, the pavement has failed. These failures are typically more prevalent in high traffic areas or near dumpster enclosures.

Correction

Pulverize in Place:

This process encompasses entire asphalt areas rather than performing select repairs throughout the property.  The entire asphalt surface, and any existing base rock, is pulverized in place to a depth of 6” or greater.  The existing asphalt around the perimeters of the pulverized areas will likely need to be hauled away to accommodate the grade transitions to the existing surfaces.  All excavated spoils are then hauled to a legal dumpsite (Calvac Paving makes a conscious effort to recycle all spoils, if at all possible.) The existing pulverized base material is then re-graded and re-compacted to a minimum of 95% relative density.

Cause

A failure of the base material causing it to become soft. This causes the asphalt to flex and crack. When the asphalt begins to crack it allows in additional moisture that softens the base material surrounding the original cracking, causing "alligatoring."

Finished Product