Asphalt concrete stands as the predominant construction material used throughout Kenya for
pavement surfacing. However, conventional asphalt concrete exhibits multiple constraints such
as:
1. Susceptibility to Environmental Strains: Environmental factors like UV radiation,
water penetration, and temperature variations can degrade the asphalt concrete over
time. This leads to a loss of binding agents, increased brittleness, and ultimately,
structural failure.
2. Rutting and Deformation: Heavy traffic loads can cause rutting, deformation, and
potholes in the asphalt surface. This compromises road safety and increases
maintenance costs.
The image below was obtained from a study done by Yang to investigate the characteristics of
fatigue cracking in flexible pavements. Which is also known as alligator cracking and is caused
by fatigue damage in the asphalt layer or the stabilized base, which may progress into
development of potholes.