Which distress is primarily caused by weathering of the entire surface?

• A. Block Cracking
• B. Alligator Cracking
• C. Slippage Cracking
• D. Disintegration of Asphalt Surface

Answer: (D)

Weathering of the entire surface causes the pavement to deteriorate as a whole, rather than producing isolated cracks or localized fatigue. Over time, environmental exposure—sun, oxygen, moisture—ages the asphalt binder, making it brittle and less able to resist movement. As the surface film breaks down and the aggregate can loosen, the whole surface can crumble or peel away, which is described as disintegration of the asphalt surface.

Block cracking arises from shrinkage and temperature changes that create a grid of cracks, but these are localized cracks rather than a complete surface breakdown. Alligator cracking comes from structural fatigue due to traffic loads, forming a network of interconnected cracks. Slippage cracking results from poor bonding or subgrade/base problems causing surface sheets to slip. None of these reflect weathering-driven, comprehensive surface disintegration in the same way.