REQUIEM FOR POTHOLES

This article discusses the causes, life cycle, and repair of potholes; the composition and construction of asphalt pavement roadways; and how pavement design can impact on the appearance and frequency of potholes. Potholes can be caused by improper design of pavement, substandard workmanship, or simply from greater than anticipated traffic volumes. Potholes are created when stressed pavement cracks and forms networks of fissures, sometimes known as "alligator cracks," in which asphalt loosens, breaks up, and eventually works its way out of place entirely. Normal pavement is designed to last about 20 years and involves several stages of construction, combining asphalt and rock aggregate for stability. Isolated potholes are simple to repair and longevity is dependent on the quality of the repair job. Generally, European, South African, and Australian roadways last longer with fewer potholes, even though they employ thinner asphalt layers, largely due to better preparation of the underlying roadbed and use of cutting-edge design and technology. Another factor in pothole repair and repair longevity involves the criteria by which contractors bid on and are selected for jobs. European countries allow for more innovation in the repair design of their contractors.