Rutting
A rut is a surface depression in the wheel path. Pavement uplift may occur along the sides of the rut; however, in many instances ruts are noticeable only after a rainfall when the wheel paths are filled with water. Rutting stems from a permanent deformation in any of the pavement layers or subgrade, usually caused by consolidation or lateral movement of the materials due to traffic loads. Significant rutting can lead to major structural failure of the pavement.
Severity | Distress Example | Description |
---|---|---|
Low | Mean rut depth criteria: 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 to 13 mm) | |
Medium | Mean rut depth criteria: > 1/2 to 1 in (> 13 to 25 mm) | |
High | Mean rut depth criteria: > 1 in (> 25 mm) |