# Faulting

A difference in elevation across a joint or crack usually associated with undoweled JPCP. Usually the approach slab is higher than the leave slab due to pumping, the most common faulting mechanism.

- Canonical URL: https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-distresses/faulting/
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Review: reviewed by licensed professional engineers on the previous Pavement Interactive site, where reviewers were not recorded by name

## Description

A difference in elevation across a joint or crack usually associated with undoweled JPCP. Usually the approach slab is higher than the leave slab due to pumping, the most common faulting mechanism. Faulting is noticeable when the average faulting in the pavement section reaches about 2.5 mm (0.1 inch). When the average faulting reaches 4 mm (0.15 in), [diamond grinding](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/diamond-grinding/) or other rehabilitation measures should be considered (Rao et al., 1999[^1]).

![Faulting - looking in the opposite direction of traffic flow.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Faulting1.jpg)

![Faulting close-up.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Faulting2.jpg)

![Faulting](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Faulting3.jpg)

*Figures 1–3.* Faulting - looking in the opposite direction of traffic flow. Faulting close-up. Faulting

Figure 4. Pumping and faulting failure mechanism described.

## Problem

[Roughness](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-evaluation/roughness/)

## Possible Causes

Most commonly, faulting is a result of slab pumping. Faulting can also be caused by slab settlement, curling and warping.

## Repair

Faulting heights of less than 3 mm (0.125 inch) need not be repaired. Faulting in an undoweled JPCP between 3 mm (0.125 inch) and 12.5 mm (0.5 inch) is a candidate for a [dowel bar retrofit](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/dowel-bar-retrofit/). Faulting in excess of 12.5 mm (0.5 inches) generally warrants total reconstruction.

## Sources

[^1]: Rao et al. (1999). Longevity of Diamond-Ground Concrete Pavements. Transportation Research Record 1684. Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, Washington, D.C. pp. 128-136.