Linear Cracking

Description

Linear cracks not associated with corner breaks or blowups that extend across the entire slab. Typically, these cracks divide an individual slab into two to four pieces. Often referred to as “panel cracking”.

Large panel cracks on highway.
Figure 1: Large panel cracks on highway.

Multiple panel cracks on a residential street.
Figure 2: Multiple panel cracks on a residential street.

Panel cracks in the truck lane of an Interstate highway.
Figure 3: Panel cracks in the truck lane of an Interstate highway.

Problem

Roughness, allows moisture infiltration leading to erosion of base/subbase support, cracks will eventually spall and disintegrate if not sealed

Possible Causes

Usually a combination of traffic loading, thermal gradient curling, moisture stresses and loss of support.

Repair

Slabs with a single, narrow linear crack may be repaired by crack sealing. More than one linear crack generally warrants a full-depth patch.