- Urbana 2024 IDEA /
- Pavement Inspection /
- PCC Distress Measurement /
- Spalling, Joint
Spalling, Joint
Joint spalling is the breakdown of the slab edges within 1.5 ft (0.5 m) of the joint. A joint spall usually does not extend vertically through the slab, but intersects the joint at an angle. Spalling results from: excessive stresses at the joint caused by traffic loading or by infiltration of incompressible materials; weak concrete at the joint caused by overworking; or water accumulation in the joint and freeze-thaw action.
The following table shows the severity levels of joint spalling. A frayed joint where the concrete has been worn away along the entire joint is rated as low severity.
| Spall Pieces | Width of Spall | Spall length: < 1.5 ft (0.5 m) | Spall length: > 1.5 ft (0.5 m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tight: Cannot be removed easliy (maybe a few pieces missing). | Any | L | L |
| Loose – can be removed and some pieces are missing; if most or all pieces are missing, spall is shallow, less than 1 in (25 mm). | Any | L | M |
| Missing – most or all pieced have been removed. | < 4 in (100 mm) | L | M |
| Missing – most or all pieced have been removed. | > 4 in (100 mm) | M | H |