# Durability Cracking

Series of closely spaced, crescent-shaped cracks near a joint, corner or crack. It is caused by freeze-thaw expansion of the large aggregate within the PCC slab.

- Canonical URL: https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-distresses/durability-cracking/
- Last updated: 2018-09-19
- Review: reviewed by licensed professional engineers on the previous Pavement Interactive site, where reviewers were not recorded by name

## Description

Series of closely spaced, crescent-shaped cracks near a joint, corner or crack. It is caused by freeze-thaw expansion of the large aggregate within the PCC slab. Durability cracking is a general PCC distress and is not unique to pavement PCC.

![D cracking at a slab](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/D_cracking.jpg)

*Figure 1.* D cracking at a slab

## Problem

Some [roughness](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-evaluation/roughness/), leads to spalling and eventual slab disintegration

## Possible Causes

Freeze-thaw susceptible aggregate.

## Repair

"D" cracking is indicative of a general aggregate freeze-thaw problem. Although a [full-depth patch](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/materials/portland-cement/portland-cement-strength/pcc-patching/) or [partial-depth patch](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/materials/portland-cement/portland-cement-strength/pcc-patching/) can repair the affected area, it does not address the root problem and will not, of course, prevent "D" cracking elsewhere.