Pavement Inspection

Corrugation

Corrugation is a series of closely spaced ridges and valleys (ripples) occurring at fairly regular intervals (usually less that 5 ft [1.5 m]) along the pavement. The ridges are perpendicular to the traffic direction. Traffic action combined with an unstable pavement surface or base usually causes this type of distress.

Severity Distress Example Description
Low Corrugation is very rarely found on airports, and it is difficult to see in photographs. The two photos below are examples of high-severity corrugation.

Overview photo (shot in the longitudinal direction) showing five or six corrugations. Signs of water ponding is visible at each corrugation location. Overview photo (shot in the transverse direction) showing two corrugations. Orange transverse point lines on the pavement have been used to mark the start and stop locations of the corrugations. The corrugation area in between the paint marks is lighter in color due to water ponding. 		Corrugations are minor and do not significantly affect ride quality.

Runways and High-Speed Taxiways: < 1/4 in (< 6 mm)
Taxiways and Aprons: < 1/2 in (< 13 mm)
Medium Corrugations are noticeable and significantly affect ride quality.

Runways and High-Speed Taxiways: 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 to 13 mm)
Taxiways and Aprons: 1/2 to 1 in (13 to 25 mm)
High Corrugations are easily noticeable and severely affect ride quality.

Runways and High-Speed Taxiways: > 1/2 in (> 13 mm)
Taxiways and Aprons: > 1 in (> 25 mm)