Which of the following is NOT an option for alligator cracking repair and rehabilitation?

• A. Full-Depth HMA repair
• B. Hot or cold in-place recycling
• C. HMA overlay
• D. Crack sealing

Answer: (D)

Alligator cracking, characterized by a series of interconnected cracks resembling an alligator's skin, typically occurs in asphalt pavements due to factors such as overloading, poor drainage, and subgrade failure. Effective repair and rehabilitation strategies are essential to restore pavement performance and extend its lifespan.

Crack sealing is primarily a preventative maintenance technique, utilized for sealing isolated cracks to prevent water infiltration and further deterioration of the pavement. However, it does not address the structural issues that cause alligator cracking. Because alligator cracking indicates underlying distress rather than surface-level damage, sealing the cracks does not adequately remedy the situation where significant pavement failure has occurred.

In contrast, full-depth HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt) repair involves removing and replacing the damaged section of pavement, which is appropriate for addressing the structural problems linked to alligator cracking. Hot or cold in-place recycling allows for the rehabilitation of the existing pavement material itself, which can also be effective in repairing underlying issues. HMA overlay provides a new surface layer to improve the pavement’s condition while enhancing its structural integrity, making it suitable for treating alligator cracking. Each of these methods directly targets the issues contributing to the cracking, rather than just the symptoms.