# Punchout

Localized slab portion broken into several pieces. Typically a concern only with CRCP.

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

Localized slab portion broken into several pieces. Typically a concern only with [CRCP](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-types-and-history/pavement-types/continuously-reinforced-concrete-pavement/).

![Severe punchout.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/Punchout1.jpg)

*Figure 1.* Severe punchout.

## Problem

[Roughness](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-evaluation/roughness/), allows moisture infiltration leading to erosion of base/subbase support, cracks will spall and disintegrate.

## Possible Causes

Can indicate a localized construction defect such as inadequate consolidation. In [CRCP](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/crcp/), it can be caused by steel corrosion, inadequate amount of steel, excessively wide [shrinkage cracks](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/shrinkage-cracks/) or excessively close shrinkage cracks.

## Repair

[Full-depth patch](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/materials/portland-cement/portland-cement-strength/pcc-patching/).