Pavement Inspection

Faulting/Settlement

Faulting or settlement is a difference of elevation at a joint or crack, and is caused by upheaval or consolidation.

Severity Distress Example Description
Low Close-up photo showing a transverse joint with a slight difference in elevation across the joint. A clipboard is placed across the joint in the photo to illustrate that there is a height differential between the two slabs. Severity levels are defined by the difference in elevation across the fault, and the associated decrease in ride quality and safety as severity increases.

Runways and Taxiways: < 1/4 in (< 6 mm)
Aprons: < 1/2 in (< 13 mm)
Medium Close-up photo showing a transverse joint with a 1/2 in (13 mm) difference in elevation across the joint. A clipboard is placed across the joint in the photo to illustrate that there is a height differential between the two slabs. Runways and Taxiways: 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 to 13 mm)
Aprons: 1/2 to 1 in (13 to 25 mm)
High Close-up photo showing a transverse joint with a 1 1/2 in (38 mm) difference in elevation across the joint. A clipboard is placed across the joint in the photo to illustrate that there is a height differential between the two slabs. Runways and Taxiways: > 1/2 in (> 13 mm)
Aprons: > 1 in (> 25 mm)