What is a common sign of asphalt pavement distress related to load-bearing issues?

Rutting is a common sign of asphalt pavement distress that typically stems from load-bearing issues. It occurs when heavy loads cause the asphalt surface to deform, creating grooves or ruts in the wheel paths. This deformation is often exacerbated by factors such as inadequate pavement thickness, insufficient base support, or excessive repeated loading from traffic.

When asphalt is unable to support the stresses applied by vehicles, particularly heavy trucks, it can lead to a permanent change in shape, which manifests as rutting. The presence of ruts in the pavement indicates that the underlying structure may be compromised or that the asphalt mixture used did not provide sufficient resistance to deformation under the anticipated load conditions.

Cracking, while also a symptom of distress in pavement, is more indicative of factors such as thermal expansion and contraction, aging, or moisture infiltration rather than directly related to load-bearing capacity. Patching and sealing refer to maintenance processes that address existing damage but do not specifically highlight distress caused by load issues. Thus, the identification of rutting points directly to problems associated with load-bearing capabilities of the asphalt pavement.