Investigation of Pothole Severity and Maintenance Methods in Canada through Questionnaire Survey
Publication: Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 32, Issue 2
Abstract
This paper investigates the severity of pothole problems, conducts a critical assessment of current maintenance practices, and identifies resources available for pothole repair based on the results from a questionnaire survey of six provincial transportation agencies in Canada. The survey outcomes indicated a greater percentage of moderate to highly severe potholes in the study area. Freeze-thaw cycles were identified as the most influential factor in pothole formation. A large portion of pothole repair operations are conducted in the summer period. The frequently used patching materials were conventional cold mix, hot-mixed asphalt, Quality Pavement Repair, and Innovative Asphalt Repair. The throw-and-go method is commonly used for pothole repair operations in all seasons. The durability of a winter-repaired patch is significantly less than that of summer. Raveling, edge disintegration, and cracking are the most concerning distresses of patch failure, which could be a result of inadequate stability, adhesion, cohesion, and stripping potential of patching materials.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Mr. Al Cepas for his assistance in preparing and distributing the questionnaire; the authors also appreciate Alberta Transportation, Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Quebec Ministry of Transportation, Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, and New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure for their assistance and time participating in the survey. The authors would also like to thank Ms. Sheena Moore for lending her editorial assistance in the review of this paper.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 32 • Issue 2 • June 2018
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 11, 2016
Accepted: Oct 3, 2017
Published online: Jan 18, 2018
Published in print: Jun 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Jun 18, 2018
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