Joint Spalling

Joint spalling is the breakdown of the slab edges within 2 ft (0.6 m) of the side of the joint. A joint spall usually does not extend vertically through the slab, but instead intersects the joint at an angle. Spalling results from excessive stresses at the joint or crack, caused by infiltration of incompressible materials or traffic loads. Weak concrete at the joint (caused by overworking) combined with traffic loads is another cause of spalling.

Severity	Distress Example	Description
Low		One of the following conditions exists: (1) spall is broken into one or two pieces defined by low-severity cracks (little or no FOD potential); (2) spall is defined by one medium-severity crack (little or no FOD potential).
Medium		One of the following conditions exists: (1) spall is broken into two or more pieces defined by medium-severity cracks, and a few small fragments may be absent or loose; (2) spall is defined by one severe, fragmented crack that may be accompanied by a few hairline cracks; (3) spall has deteriorated to the point where loose material is causing some FOD potential.
High		One of the following conditions exists: (1) spall is broken into two or more pieces defined by high-severity fragmented cracks with loose or absent fragments; (2) pieces of the spall have been displaced to the extent that a tire damage hazard exists; (3) spall has deteriorated to the point where loose material is causing high FOD potential.