Changing Seasons. The changing of the season from fall to winter can cause large temperature fluctuations. When the temperature quickly changes from warm to cold, the asphalt contracts too quickly causing a thermal crack to form. Pavements become more susceptible to thermal cracking when the temperature fluctuates between warm and cold frequently.
Additionally, the changing of the season from winter to spring presents a different issue. As the snow, frost, and ice begin to melt, the water can become trapped between the pavement and the still-frozen soil below. This causes the aggregate base and subgrade soil to become saturated, weaker, and more susceptible to cracks from traffic loadings.
