Linear wheel path cracks

Linear wheel path cracks develop along the wheel paths of the near side lane, not always simultaneously, and consist of a single longitudinal crack with small braches. Linear wheel path cracks are exclusively fatigue cracks and, when left untreated, soon change to an alligator cracking pattern. 

The causes of linear wheel path cracking are the same as those of alligator (fatigue) cracking (Section 15.5.2). 

The maintenance of the linear wheel path crack is carried out by crack sealing procedure. The treatment will certainly delay the imminent formation of alligator cracking, provided the cracks are sealed as soon as they appear. 

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