Which type of pavement is punchout distress primarily associated with?

• A. Rigid pavement
• B. Flexible pavement design
• C. Both A and B
• D. All types of pavement

Answer: (A)

Punchout distress is primarily associated with rigid pavement, which typically consists of concrete slabs. This form of distress occurs when there are large cracks that lead to the corners of the pavement being punched out, effectively creating localized failures in the slab. Punchouts often arise from various factors such as load stresses, fatigue due to repeated traffic, temperature-induced stresses, or improper construction practices.

In comparison, flexible pavements, which are generally made of asphalt, experience different types of distress primarily related to cracking, rutting, and shoving rather than the distinctive punchout failures seen in rigid pavements. Since punchout distress is inherent to the structural behavior of rigid pavements, it is easy to identify these types of cracks as specific indicators of issues with concrete roadways. Therefore, rigid pavement is the correct type associated with punchout distress.