# Transverse Cracking

Cracks perpendicular to the pavement's centerline or laydown direction. Usually a type of thermal cracking.

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

Cracks perpendicular to the pavement's centerline or [laydown](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/laydown/) direction. Usually a type of [thermal cracking](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/thermal-cracking/).

![Large transverse crack.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/WSDOT142.jpg)

![Transverse crack.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/WSDOT143.jpg)

![Small transverse crack.](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/Transverse_crack2.jpg)

*Figures 1–3.* Large transverse crack. Transverse crack. Small transverse crack.

## Problem

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

## Possible Causes

Several including:

- Shrinkage of the HMA surface due to low temperatures or [asphalt binder](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/asphalt-binder/) hardening
- Reflective crack caused by cracks beneath the surface HMA layer
- [top-down cracking](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-distresses/top-down-cracking/)

## Repair

Strategies depend upon the severity and extent of the cracking:

- **Low severity cracks (< 1/2 inch wide and infrequent cracks)**. Crack seal to prevent (1) entry of moisture into the subgrade through the cracks and (2) further raveling of the crack edges. HMA can provide years of satisfactory service after developing small cracks if they are kept sealed (Roberts et. al., 1996[^1]).
- **High severity cracks (> 1/2 inch wide and numerous cracks)**. Remove and replace the cracked pavement layer with an [overlay](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/maintenance-and-rehabilitation/rehabilitation/overlay/).

## Sources

[^1]: Roberts et al. (1996). Hot Mix Asphalt Materials, Mixture Design, and Construction. National Asphalt Paving Association Education Foundation. Lanham, MD.