Raveling

Description

The progressive disintegration of an HMA layer from the surface downward as a result of the dislodgement of aggregate particles.

Raveling due to low density.
Figure 1: Raveling due to low density.

Raveling from snowplow operations.
Figure 2: Raveling from snowplow operations.

Raveling caused by segregation.
Figure 3: Raveling caused by segregation.

 

Problem

Loose debris on the pavement, roughness, water collecting in the raveled locations resulting in vehicle hydroplaning, loss of skid resistance

Possible Causes

Several including:

  • Loss of bond between aggregate particles and the asphalt binder as a result of:
    • A dust coating on the aggregate particles that forces the asphalt binder to bond with the dust rather than the aggregate
    • Aggregate Segregation. If fine particles are missing from the aggregate matrix, then the asphalt binder is only able to bind the remaining coarse particles at their relatively few contact points.
    • Inadequate compaction during construction. High density is required to develop sufficient cohesion within the HMA. The third figure above shows a road suffering from raveling due to inadequate compaction caused by cold weather paving.
  • Mechanical dislodging by certain types of traffic (studded tires, snowplow blades or tracked vehicles). The first and fourth figures above show raveling most likely caused by snow plows.

Repair

A raveled pavement should be investigated to determine the root cause of failure. Repair strategies generally fall into one of two categories:

  • Small, localized areas of raveling. Remove the raveled pavement and patch.
  • Large raveled areas indicative of general HMA failure. Remove the damaged pavement and overlay.