Potholes are a common sight, especially after a long winter, but they’re more than just an annoyance. These pavement defects can damage vehicles, disrupt traffic, and signal deeper problems within our roadways.
At CKL Engineers, we encounter potholes from both the field and the design side. We understand what causes them, how to fix them, and how to prevent them through smart infrastructure planning.
How Do Potholes Form?
Potholes usually begin with a simple crack in the pavement. Rain, melting snow, or even groundwater can seep into these cracks. Once water reaches the layers beneath the surface, it begins to erode and weaken the road’s foundation. In colder climates, that water freezes, expands, and forces the pavement upward. When the ice melts, it leaves a void below the surface. This is called a freeze-thaw cycle. As this cycle repeats, the pavement loses support. Vehicles then put pressure on these weakened spots, and over time, the surface collapses and a pothole forms.
Once a pothole appears, it typically grows larger and deeper unless repaired. Continued traffic and weather exposure accelerate the damage.
How Do We Fix Potholes?
There’s more than one way to repair a pothole, and the method we choose depends on the severity, season, and available resources. Cold patch asphalt is a fast, convenient solution often used in winter. It fills the hole and keeps traffic moving safely until more permanent work can be done. Hot mix asphalt, which
lasts longer and bonds better with the surrounding pavement, can also be used to fill potholes on a semi-permanent basis. If the pothole is a symptom of deeper structural failure, a full-depth repair is necessary, which means removing and rebuilding the pavement layers from the base up.
How Do We Prevent Potholes?
The best way to fight potholes is to stop them from forming in the first place. At CKL Engineers, our approach emphasizes prevention:
Routine Inspections: Identifying cracks and surface wear early can lead to minor repairs before major failures occur.
Crack Sealing and Surface Treatments: These extend the life of pavement by sealing out water and preventing freeze-thaw damage.
Improved Drainage Design: Water is the enemy of pavement. Good drainage keeps it moving away from the roadway structure.
Quality Construction: Using proper materials and construction techniques ensures the road can withstand both weather and traffic loads.
CKL’s Role in Resilient Pavement Systems
From highway resurfacing projects to community street assessments, CKL Engineers partners with local agencies and contractors to deliver safe, lasting roads. Our team supports:
- Pavement inspections and condition assessments
- Material selection and design recommendations
- Field oversight of repairs and resurfacing operations
- Long-term maintenance planning for public agencies
Final Thoughts
Potholes may be inevitable in a climate like Illinois, but they don’t have to be a permanent problem. Through proactive planning, timely maintenance, and smart engineering, we can build and preserve roads that are safer, smoother, and more cost-effective to maintain.
Want to learn more about pavement preservation or request CKL Engineers for an upcoming roadway project?
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