How Do Potholes Work?

Summary by Krater

This video explains the engineering mechanics of how potholes form in asphalt paved roadways, detailing how water and subgrade soil erosion interact under heavy traffic loads and freezing winter conditions.

From the video

Answers: How do potholes form in asphalt roads?

• pothole formation mechanics
• asphalt roadway layers
• subgrade erosion and water saturation
• frost heaving and lens formation
• pothole repair methods

What it concludes

• Potholes form when surface cracks let water into the subgrade soil, which softens and weakens under traffic loading.
• Freezing weather worsens potholes as water expands between the pavement and base, creating lenses that leave voids when thawing.
• Preventing potholes requires balancing initial pavement thickness and maintenance costs to seal cracks against water intrusion.