Why is there cracks in the pavement??

Question

well the other day i was wandering how do cracks appear in the pavement?? ive never seen one just appearing and fair enough the ones that the builders crack when they are laying the pavement but what about the others???

plz help

Answer 1

cracks have got to be somewhere

Answer 2

The cracks are most likely due to soil settling or subsidence. First the roadbed is built, and the asphalt or concrete roadway is poured over it. Sometimes the soil under the pavement will slowly settle over time, leaving cracks in the pavement above. Tree roots can also cause this effect, upheaving the ground just enough to disturb the pavement.

Answer 3

The pavement cracks as it cures over time and as the ground settles, freezes and thaws, heats up, cools down, etc.... It is nearly unavoidable in most cases, but if it is constructed properly there will be less cracks and smaller cracks. Cement needs cracks or seams added so that it can be allowed to expand and contract with the temperatures, so if there are not seams or cracks added it will make its own cracks over time. Too much water in the cement mix can cause large cracks since it weakens the cement. An uneven or poorly prepared base and tree roots cause many of the cracks seen in cement and asphalt surfaces.

Answer 4

Often times wear and tear from people walking on the pavement causes cracks. Also the earth shifts quite frequently causing cracks in the pavement.

Answer 5

Sidewalks crack in two conditions. 1 in the winter if the water seeps in the sidewalk and freezes it will expand therefore crackingthe cement. 2 very large trees are strong enough to literly lift up the pavement.

Answer 6

Simple. Concrete is pourous, it has tiny holes we cannot see. Usually in the winter, when water gets into the holes, it can freeze and expand, slowing forming cracks. Also, cars can damage roads, just by the stress they put on it. Tree roots can also damage pavement.

Answer 7

Usually caused by people driving their cars or vans onto the pavement. Paving stones are usually set on sand.

Answer 8

Weather, and vibrations from people/machinery, but mostly water gets in expands in cold weather and opens the crack a little more each time,

Answer 9

its because the earth's crust move. in our natural science class we were taught that the earth has several layers and that some layers move but you have hardly notice it because the earth is so big. the only evidence is the cracked pavement in your case.

Answer 10

would probably say just genral wear and tear, you would probably randomly crack if you had about 1000,0000,00000 walking on you every week xxxx