DOTD A-Z
ALL A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U W      Acronyms     Sections

Alligator Cracking

A series of interconnecting cracks in an asphalt pavement surface forming a pattern that resembles an alligator's hide or chicken wire. In its early stages, alligator cracking may be characterized by a single longitudinal crack in the wheel path. The cracks indicate fatigue failure of the surface layer generally caused by repeated traffic loadings. Hence, the term fatigue cracking is also used.


See Also: