Description
Localized pavement surface areas with slightly lower elevations than the surrounding pavement. Depressions are very noticeable after a rain when they fill with water.
Problem
Roughness, depressions filled with substantial water can cause vehicle hydroplaning
Possible Causes
Frost heave or subgrade settlement resulting from inadequate compaction during construction.
Repair
By definition, depressions are small localized areas. A pavement depression should be investigated to determine the root cause of failure (i.e., subgrade settlement or frost heave). Depressions should be repaired by removing the affected pavement then digging out and replacing the area of poor subgrade. Patch over the repaired subgrade.