Water does not cause potholes: ice makes them.
The conditions are the ability of water to enter a matrix of cracks that occur in some locations where mechanical stress has increased their numbers, but are not so present in other spots.
The water and the material then both freeze in cold weather. As the temperature of the ice lowers, it expands, and this expansion crushes the material around it - especially when driven over by heavy cars and truck.
The ice later melts, leaving a relatively granular mass where once was a concrete substrate or macadam road. Tires traveling over the mass shake the contents out, leaving a cavity/pit we call a pothole.
To a lesser amount, in warm climates, clay is pressured into this same type of cracks, then the rain emulsifies it. As vehicles travel over, the clay mud is compressed, and the lateral pressures created greater fracture new cracks along the existing ones. The result is the same as is the ice.
2007-06-28 13:57:37
·
answer #1
·
answered by science_joe_2000 4
·
1⤊
1⤋
. Ice can cause potholes, as several have described. I know that potholes also form in areas not subject to freezing, so there must be another mechanism.
. That mechanism is subgrade softness. If the soil under a flexible (asphaltic) pavement becomes soft, the pavement can be pressed downward by traffic rolling across it. After a slight depression forms, the downstream (with regard to traffic flow) slop of that depression is subject basicly to impact forces from the tires which hit it. This causes further deflection of the flexible pavement and a steeper downstream slope which then experiences harder impacts..
. The subgrade (the compacted soil beneath the pavement) can be softened by water leaking in through small cracks (which may form when a pavement cools off and shrinks) or the subgrade may have simply not been properly compacted at that spot.
2007-06-28 15:49:50
·
answer #2
·
answered by PoppaJ 5
·
0⤊
0⤋
Pot Holes on Roads- water that collects at micro depressions or along cracks/crevices also accumulates fine particles (sand/silt). Due to traffic movement these particles causes repeated abrasions resulting in opening up of cracks. Such sites become susceptible by loosening of the road metal/asphalt layers. In due course of time these micro depressions turn into "pot holes".
This is more common on roads where either side drains are not provided or the run off is allowed to accumulate on the roads for whatever reasons.
Roads in areas of frosting is also prone to forming pot holes due to repeatedly freezing and thawing along micro cracks and undulations.
This could be a more serious problem if the road is located in high altitude or areas affected by wide fluctuations of temperatures or frosting etc.
Pot Holes in River bed rocks - eddies over micro undulations "churns" the gravel/pebbles and sand locally. This repeated churning acts as a "soft drilling" on hard rocks or boulders. In due course of time vertical smooth pot holes are produced.
2007-06-28 16:01:26
·
answer #3
·
answered by mandira_nk 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
if you live in a climate where the winters go below and above freezing, pot holes are created by frost action. Liquid water seeps into an ordinary crack in the road. then the temperature will dip below freezing. the liquid water will freeze and expand, pushing the road out with it. This process is repeated for a few cycles and eventually, a car will come and run over a hollowed out dome in the road. this will cause that part of the road to crumble and cave into itself.
If you are not in an area with winters that go above and below freezing, I have no idea how potholes are formed, and there should be not pot holes in your area. Generally, areas with warmer winters and warmer climates overall with have better roads and highways.
2007-06-28 15:02:32
·
answer #4
·
answered by ashleigh 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
Sometime around early spring, many roads develop deep divots and pockmarks called potholes. Indeed, certain cities are said to have two seasons - winter and pothole repair. What causes these potholes to form, and why can't they be prevented in the first place? The answer involves both nature and the limitations of road construction.
Most roadways are built in layers, starting with compacted earth and gravel for drainage. Some older city streets may even have a subsurface of bricks. All of these layers are covered with asphalt, which is a gooey blend of tar, oil byproducts, curatives and aggregate gravel. In an ideal setting, this layer of asphalt repels rainfall and snow, forcing it into drains or the shoulder of the road.
Potholes form because asphalt road surfaces eventually crack under the heat of the day and the constant stresses of traffic. These cracks allow snow and rainwater to seep into the underlying dirt and gravel. During cold winter nights, this water freezes and expands. Some of the dirt and gravel is pushed out as a result, leaving a hole when the water eventually melts. Drivers continue to drive over these unseen holes, putting even more stress on the thin asphalt layer covering them.
Eventually, the asphalt layer over these divots collapses, creating the traffic hazards we call potholes. Potholes can cause significant damage to a car's suspension system or tires if the driver fails to avoid them. Potholes can also fill with water, obscuring any other hazards they may contain. Even in places where the air temperature rarely falls below freezing, excessive rainfall or flooding can also cause potholes to form.
Road maintenance crews have two different forms of repair methods for potholes. These repairs are roughly similar to a dentist using either a temporary or permanent filling material for cavities. During the winter months, potholes receive what is known as a cold winter mix. This is a temporary fix consisting of a soft asphalt poured into the potholes after they have been cleared of debris. A layer of gravel may be added to increase strength and stability, but the potholes are often expected to reappear by spring.
A more permanent fix for potholes is called a hot summer mix. This combination of roadgrade asphalt and aggregate is designed to last for years, but it can only be applied during dry, warm weather. When road crews use a hot summer mix to repair potholes, they often reroute traffic around the worksite and spend more time preparing the road surface for the patch. The finished layer of new asphalt is usually compacted to match the level of the road, rendering it nearly invisible.
2007-06-28 15:33:40
·
answer #5
·
answered by R.C. 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
Simply enough, as far as I know, (when I used to live in a place that had extreme climates)... In the summer, the ground would expand due to the moisture & heat and therefore cause pot holes.
Not sure about the technical specifics.
You may want to try a search engine like google.com or ask.com. They're great for asking specific questions. Just put your question in quotes for the best result.
2007-06-28 19:33:19
·
answer #6
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
If there's a tiny crack in a road and water gets in, the water can freeze during the winter. Ice occupies more space than liquid water (this lower density is what makes ice float on water), so it forces the road apart. If the temperature increases, more liquid water can flow into the hole and re-freeze, forcing the hole further open. Eventually, the road can't handle the stress, so it buckles or shatters into pieces. Cars driving over these pieces eventually knock them out, and you're left with a hole.
2007-06-28 13:48:08
·
answer #7
·
answered by lithiumdeuteride 7
·
2⤊
0⤋
water seeps into tiny cracks in the road's surface..whether it is rain or snow slush or runoff melt, then when the temperature falls again all of that water freezes and expands. it pushes outwards on the road material, then when it thaws, it contracts..making the material loose. several cycles of this during a winter and the road will be full of pot holes as the road material has heaved up and is no longer compacted
2016-05-22 01:52:31
·
answer #8
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
A tiny crack in the road gets eroided by water and icee and wind.
2007-06-29 01:44:40
·
answer #9
·
answered by yoyo 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
acid rain that comes from the sky when it is raining.
2007-06-28 13:50:15
·
answer #10
·
answered by SP. 2
·
0⤊
2⤋