# Slippage Cracking

Crescent or half-moon shaped cracks generally having two ends pointed into the direction of traffic.

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

Crescent or half-moon shaped cracks generally having two ends pointed into the direction of traffic.

![Slippage cracking at a bus stop.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/Slippage_Cracking.jpg)

![Slippage cracks at an intersection.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/Slippage1.jpg)

*Figures 1 and 2.* Slippage cracking at a bus stop. Slippage cracks at an intersection.

## Problem

Allows moisture infiltration, [roughness](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-evaluation/roughness/)

## Possible Causes

Braking or turning wheels cause the pavement surface to slide and deform. The resulting sliding and deformation is caused by a low-strength surface mix or poor bonding between the surface HMA layer and the next underlying layer in the pavement structure.

## Repair

Removal and replacement of affected area.