Which statement describes failure to provide proper drainage in pavement construction?

• A. Implementing advanced drainage systems
• B. Drains are optional
• C. Failure to Provide Proper Drainage
• D. Ignoring drainage in all seasons

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that water must be removed from the pavement system to keep it durable. When drainage isn’t provided or is inadequate, water stays in the subgrade and pavement layers, weakening support and lowering stiffness. This moisture leads to moisture-related damage such as frost action, asphalt binder softening and stripping, pumping, rutting, and potholes, which dramatically shorten the pavement’s life and increase maintenance needs. The statement that describes this situation most directly is the one that identifies a failure to provide proper drainage. The other options describe actions that would improve drainage or mere neglect or ambiguity about drainage, but they don’t state the core problem as clearly.