Pavement Inspection

Bleeding

Bleeding is a film of bituminous material on the pavement surface that creates a shiny, glasslike, reflective surface that usually becomes quite sticky. Bleeding is caused by excessive amounts of asphaltic cement or tars in the mix, excess application of a bituminous sealant, low air void content, or a combination thereof. It occurs when asphalt fills the voids of the mix during hot weather and then expands onto the pavement surface. Since the bleeding process is not reversible during cold weather, asphalt or tar will accumulate on the surface.

Severity	Description
Low	Bleeding has only occurred to a very slight degree and is noticeable only during a few days of the year. Asphalt does not stick to shoes or vehicles.
Medium	Bleeding has occurred to the extent that asphalt sticks to shoes and vehicles during only a few weeks of the year.
High	Bleeding has occurred extensively and considerable asphalt sticks to shoes and vehicles during at least several weeks of the year.