# Linear Cracking

Linear cracks not associated with corner breaks or blowups that extend across the entire slab. Typically, these cracks divide an individual slab into two to four pieces. Often referred to as "panel cracking".

- Canonical URL: https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-distresses/linear-cracking/
- 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

Linear cracks not associated with [corner breaks](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/corner-break/) or blowups that extend across the entire slab. Typically, these cracks divide an individual slab into two to four pieces. Often referred to as "panel cracking".

![Large panel cracks on highway.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/Crack1.jpg)

![Multiple panel cracks on a residential street.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/06_04A.jpg)

![Panel cracks in the truck lane of an Interstate highway.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/WSDOT070.jpg)

*Figures 1–3.* Large panel cracks on highway. Multiple panel cracks on a residential street. Panel cracks in the truck lane of an Interstate highway.

## Problem

[Roughness](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-evaluation/roughness/), allows moisture infiltration leading to erosion of base/subbase support, cracks will eventually spall and disintegrate if not sealed

## Possible Causes

Usually a combination of traffic loading, thermal gradient curling, moisture stresses and loss of support.

## Repair

Slabs with a single, narrow linear crack may be repaired by [crack sealing](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/crack-sealing/). More than one linear crack generally warrants a [full-depth patch](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/materials/portland-cement/portland-cement-strength/pcc-patching/).