# Popouts

Small pieces of PCC that break loose from the surface leaving small divots or pock marks. Popouts range from 25 - 100 mm (1 - 4 inches) in diameter and from 25 - 50 mm (1 - 2 inches) deep.

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

Small pieces of PCC that break loose from the surface leaving small divots or pock marks. Popouts range from 25 - 100 mm (1 - 4 inches) in diameter and from 25 - 50 mm (1 - 2 inches) deep.

![Large popouts.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/PO1.jpg)

![Popout close-up.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/PO2.jpg)

*Figures 1 and 2.* Large popouts. Popout close-up.

## Problem

[Roughness](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-evaluation/roughness/), usually an indicator of poor material

## Possible Causes

Popouts usually occur as a result of poor aggregate durability. Poor durability can be a result of a number of items such as:

- Poor aggregate freeze-thaw resistance
- Expansive aggregates
- [Alkali-aggregate reactions](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/alkali-aggregate-reaction/)

## Repair

Isolated low severity popouts may not warrant repair. Larger popouts or a group of popouts can generally be repaired with a partial depth patch.