How do potholes form?
Category:
Pothole/Sinkhole
A pothole is formed as a result of a failure of the top surface of the road.
When the surface ages, it becomes more porous and rainwater penetrates it through cracks and other flaws.
In wet conditions the pressure created by car tires passing over the
area forces water further down into the road surface weakening it. In
cold and wet weather conditions a phenomenon known as 'freeze-thaw'
occurs. This causes a faster deterioration of the surfaces, because the
water which had filled the cracks freezes and expands, loosening chunks
of the surface material. Once a pothole has formed it will grow in
size as traffic continually dislodges and removes weakened and broken
pieces of the surface.
Updated 10/24/2023 9:12 AM