Pavement Inspection

Rutting

A rut is a surface depression in the wheel path. Pavement uplift may occur along the sides of the rut, but, in many instances, ruts are noticeable only after a rainfall when the path is filled with water. Rutting stems from a permanent deformation in any of the pavement layers or subgrade, usually caused by consolidated or lateral movement of the materials due to traffic load.

Severity Description
Low Mean rut depth criteria: 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 to 13 mm).
Medium Mean rut depth criteria: > 1/2 to 1 in (> 13 to 25 mm).
High Mean rut depth criteria: > 1 in (> 25 mm).