What does alligator mean in asphalt?

Fatigue cracking is sometimes called alligator cracking due to the interconnected cracks which resemble an alligator�s skin. Fatigue cracking is caused by load-related deterioration resulting from a weakened base course or subgrade, too little pavement thickness, overloading, or a combination of these factors.

What causes Alligatoring in asphalt?

When small cracks are left untreated, they permit moisture to reach the base and sub-base. The water can erode the foundation, and freezing temperatures exacerbate the problem. The surface can no longer withstand the weight of the traffic, so the extensive cracking pattern — alligatored asphalt — occurs.

How long does Gator pave last?

Usually, you can keep unopened Gator Patch up to 2 years. After that long of a period, you have to mix it thoroughly. Ideally, store the Gator Patch around 50°F and not below 32°F as the product would freeze and would be no good.

What causes crocodile cracking?

It is caused by lack of support of the road edge, sometimes due to poorly drained or weak shoulders. If left untreated, additional cracks will form until it resembles fatigue cracking.

What causes ripples in asphalt?

It can be caused by insufficient pavement thickness, lack of compaction, and weak asphalt mixtures. Shoving. Shoving is the formation of ripples across a pavement.

What is Pavement Fatigue and Alligator Cracking? - S

What is bleeding in asphalt?

Bleeding occurs when asphalt binder fills the aggregate voids during hot weather or traffic compaction, and then expands onto the pavement surface. Since bleeding is not reversible during cold weather or periods of low loading, asphalt binder will accumulate on the pavement surface over time.

What is Gator patch made of?

What is Gator Patch made of? Gator Patch is a special blend of Polyester Resin and Fiberglass in a Patch form with a UV light activator.

How long does it take for a Gator patch to cure?

If you do use a pressure washer, you'll need to allow at least 24 hours for the cracks to dry completely. Step 3: Apply a thin layer of Gator Patch and begin to push it into the cracks using a neoprene squeegee. We recommend a 24" squeegee for best coverage and a smooth finish.

How cold is too cold to pave a driveway?

Ideally you want to install asphalt when both ground and air temperature are anywhere between 50 and 90 degrees. Anything below 50 or above 90 can cause a poor pour that will give you issues down the road.

Can you pave over cracked asphalt?

Once the asphalt surface has reached the end of its lifespan, many wonder if it's time for a new surface entirely or if the old surface can be paved over. Both are options. The layer of asphalt over the original is called an overlay and can offer an additional 10-15 years to the life of the surface.

What is the cause of alligator cracking in flexible pavement?

The alligator cracking in flexible pavements is due to relative movement or consolidation of pavement layer materials.

Will cement adhere to asphalt?

Yes, you can pour concrete over an asphalt driveway. While asphalt provides a poor bond with concrete, it does serve as an excellent base as it is solid, stable, and very strong. Provided the asphalt is in decent condition, there is no reason you can't pour concrete over the top.

How do you fix crumbling asphalt driveway?

Use asphalt paste patch that contains fine aggregate to fill small holes and gaps along curbing. Mound the repair above the surface the way crews do on roads. They let car tires reduce the speed bumps and gradually compact the mix. You can use a heavy metal tamper, or the end of a 2-by-4 to pound the patch nearly flat.

What is Gator pave?

GatorPave is a cold- applied, easy to use patching material. GatorPave is an economical solution for alligatored areas. Basic Uses: GatorPave is designed for patching alligatored and cracked areas in asphalt pavement surfaces including parking lots, driveways, and roadways.

What is raveling in asphalt?

Raveling is the disintegration of an asphalt road surface. It is due to the dislodgment of the aggregate materials (gravel, sand, and crushed stone). It reduces skid resistance, roughens the road surface, and exposes the layers underneath to further deterioration.

What is block cracking?

Block cracking is mainly caused by shrinkage of the asphalt concrete and daily temperature cycling, and it is not load associated. The occurrence of block cracking usually indicates that the asphalt has hardened significantly. Block cracking normally occurs over a large portion of pavement area. Severity.

What is a asphalt binder?

The asphalt binder functions as an inexpensive (typically, $0.05/pound), waterproof, thermoplastic adhesive. In other words, it acts as the glue that holds the road together. In its most common form, asphalt binder is simply the residue from petroleum refining.

What is alligator cracking in roads?

Fatigue cracking, which is also known as 'alligator' or 'crocodile' cracking, is one of the most common ways that asphalt pavement can deteriorate over time. The cracking patterns caused are extremely distinctive and resemble the scales on a reptile's back or the cracking you'd see if you dropped a hard-boiled egg.

How do you smooth rough asphalt?