TMH9 Manual Visual RoadPavements PartC Concrete

South Africa
COTO
Committee of Transport
Officials
TMH 9
MANUAL FOR VISUAL

ASSESSMENT OF ROAD
PAVEMENTS
PART C: CONCRETE PAVEMENTS
Committee Draft Final

May 2016
Committee of Transport Officials

TECHNICAL METHODS
FOR HIGHWAYS
TMH 9
M ANU AL FOR VISUAL ASSESSMENT OF

RO AD P AVE MENTS
Part C: Concrete Pavements
Committee Draft Final

May 2016
Committee of Transport Officials

Compiled under auspices of the:
Roads Coordinating Body (RCB)
Committee of Transport Officials (COTO)
Road Asset Management Systems (RAMS) Subcommittee
Published by:
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited
PO Box 415, Pretoria, 0001
Disclaimer of Liability
The document is provided “as is” without any warranty of any kind, expressed or implied.
No warranty or representation is made, either expressed or imply, with respect to fitness
of use and no responsibility will be accepted by the Committee or the authors for any
losses, damages or claims of any kind, including, without limitation, direct, indirect,
special, incidental, consequential or any other loss or damages that may arise from the
use of the document.
All rights reserved

No part of this document may be modified or amended without permission and approval
of the Roads Coordinating Body (RCB). Permission is granted to freely copy, print,
reproduce or distributed this document.
Synopsis
TMH 9 provides the procedures for the visual assessment of the condition of roads.
Assessment procedures and requirements for road segment information data are
specified. Different distress types are classified and detailed descriptions of degree of
distress (including photographic plates illustrating condition) for each of the distress types
are given. TMH 9 is a companion document to TMH 22 on Road Asset Management
Systems.
Withdrawal of previous publication:
This publication replaces the previous Draft TMH9 “Standard Visual Assessment Manual
for Flexible Pavements” published in 1992. This previous publication is effectively
withdrawn with the publication of this document.
Technical Methods for Highways:
The Technical Methods for Highways consists of a series of publications in which

methods are prescribed for use on various aspects related to highway engineering. The
documents are primarily aimed at ensuring the use of uniform methods throughout
South Africa, and use thereof is compulsory.
Users of the documents must ensure that the latest editions or versions of the document
are used. When a document is referred to in other documents, the reference should be to
the latest edition or version of the document.
Any comments on the document will be welcomed and should be forwarded to

[email protected] for consideration in future revisions.
Document Versions
Working Draft (WD). When a COTO subcommittee identifies the need for the revision of
existing, or the drafting of new Technical Recommendations for Highways (TRH) or
Technical Methods for Highways (TMH) documents, a workgroup of experts is appointed
by the COTO subcommittee to develop the document. This document is referred to as a
Working Draft (WD). Successive working drafts may be generated, with the last being
referred to as Working Draft Final (WDF). Working Drafts (WD) have no legal standing.
Committee Draft (CD). The Working Draft Final (WDF) document is converted to a
Committee Draft (CD) and is submitted to the COTO subcommittee for consensus
building and comments. Successive committee drafts may be generated during the
process. When approved by the subcommittee, the document is submitted to the Roads
Coordinating Body (RCB) members for further consensus building and comments.
Additional committee drafts may be generated, with the last being referred to as
Committee Draft Final (CDF). Committee Drafts (CD) have no legal standing.
Draft Standard (DS). The Committee Draft Final (CDF) document is converted to a Draft
Standard (DS) and submitted by the Roads Coordinating Body (RCB) to COTO for
approval as a draft standard. This Draft Standard is implemented in Industry for a period
of two (2) years, during which written comments may be submitted to the COTO
subcommittee. Draft Standards (DS) have full legal standing.
Final Standard (FS). After the two-year period, comments received are reviewed and
where appropriate, incorporated by the COTO subcommittee. The document is converted
to a Final Standard (FS) and submitted by the Roads Coordinating Body (RCB) to COTO
for approval as a final standard. This Final Standard is implemented in industry for a
period of five (5) years, after which it may again be reviewed. Final Standards (FS) have
full legal standing.
Table of Contents
ITEM PAGE
C.1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... C-1

C.2. General information .............................................................................................................. C-2
C.2.1. Road section.............................................................................................................. C-2
C.2.2. Assessment segment ................................................................................................ C-2
C.2.3. Shoulder .................................................................................................................... C-2
C.2.4. Jointed concrete pavements (JCP or JCD) ............................................................... C-2
C.2.5. Continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRC) and ultra-thin continuously
reinforced concrete pavements (UTCRC) ................................................................................ C-2
C.3. Engineering Assessment ..................................................................................................... C-3
C.3.1. Random Cracking ...................................................................................................... C-3
C.3.2. Transverse cracks ..................................................................................................... C-5
C.3.3. Longitudinal Cracking ................................................................................................ C-7
C.3.4. Corner cracking ......................................................................................................... C-9
C.3.5. Cluster cracking ....................................................................................................... C-11
C.3.6. Cluster cracking ....................................................................................................... C-13
C.3.7. Pumping .................................................................................................................. C-15
C.3.8. Joint seal condition .................................................................................................. C-17
C.3.9. Faulting at joints and cracks .................................................................................... C-19
C.3.10. Undulations/Settlement ........................................................................................... C-21
C.3.11. Punch outs (UTCRCP and CRCP only) .................................................................. C-21
C.3.12. Shattered slabs........................................................................................................ C-23
C.3.13. Shattered slabs (UTCRP) ........................................................................................ C-25
C.3.14. Patching ................................................................................................................... C-27
C.3.15. Macro Texture ......................................................................................................... C-29
C.4. Functional Assessment ...................................................................................................... C-31
C.4.1. Roughness .............................................................................................................. C-31
C.4.2. Skid Resistance ....................................................................................................... C-32
C.4.3. Surface Drainage .................................................................................................... C-32
C.4.4. Unpaved Shoulder Condition .................................................................................. C-33
C.5. Summary ............................................................................................................................ C-34
C.5.1. General Notes ......................................................................................................... C-34
C.5.2. Overall Condition of the Pavement.......................................................................... C-34
C.6. Assessment Form for Concrete Pavements ...................................................................... C-36
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE PAGE
Figure C.1: Jointed concrete pavements with sealed transverse and longitudinal joints ............... C-2
Figure C.2: Typical types of cracking and jointing associated with continuously reinforced concrete
pavements ....................................................................................................................................... C-3
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE PAGE
Table C.1: Visual Assessment items and requirements ................................................................. C-1

Table C.2: Description of Degrees of Random Cracking ................................................................ C-3
Table C.3: Description of Degrees of Transverse Cracking ........................................................... C-5
Table C.4: Description of Degrees of Longitudinal Cracking .......................................................... C-7
Table C.5: Description of Degrees of Corner Cracking .................................................................. C-9
Table C.6: Description of Degrees of Cluster Cracking ................................................................ C-11
Table C.7: Description of Degrees of Cluster Cracking ................................................................ C-13
Table C.8: Description of Degrees of Pumping............................................................................. C-15
Table C.9: Description of Degrees of Joint Seal Condition ........................................................... C-17
Table C.10: Description of Degrees of Faulting ............................................................................ C-19
Table C.11: Description of Degrees of Undulations/Settlement ................................................... C-21
Table C.12: Description of Degrees of Punch outs ....................................................................... C-21
Table C.13: Description of Degrees of Shattered Slabs ............................................................... C-23
Table C.14: Description of Degrees of Shattered Slabs ............................................................... C-25
Table C.15: Description of Degrees of Patching ..................................................................... C-27
Table C.16: Description of Degrees of Texturing .......................................................................... C-29
Table C.17: Description of Degrees of Roughness ...................................................................... C-31
Table C.18: Description of Degrees of Skid Resistance ............................................................... C-32
Table C.19: Description of Degrees of Surface Drainage Ratings ............................................... C-32
Table C.20: Description of Degrees of Unpaved Shoulder Conditions ......................................... C-33
Table C.21: Description of Degrees of Overall Condition of Pavement ....................................... C-34
PART C. CONCRETE PAVEMENTS
Note: Examples and actual dimensions presented in this Part are given as guidelines only and should
not be regarded as fixed rules.
C.1. Introduction
This Part of the manual provides guidelines for the visual condition assessment of concrete
pavements. These include Jointed Concrete plain (JCP) and dowelled (JCD) and Continuously
Reinforced Concrete (CRC) and ultra-thin continuously reinforced concrete (UTCRC) pavements.
The items required for the visual assessment of concrete roads differ between the two main types and
are listed as follows (Table C.1):
Table C.1: Visual Assessment items and requirements
Engineering Assessment JCP & JCD CRC & UTCRC
Random cracking X X
Transverse cracks X X
Longitudinal cracking X X
Corner cracking X
Cluster cracking X
Pumping X X
Joint seal condition X X
Faulting X
Undulation/Settlement X X
Punch-outs X
Shattered slabs X X
Patching X X
Texturing X X
Functional Assessment
Roughness X X
Skid resistance X X
Surface drainage X X
General notes X X
Summary
Overall Condition X X
TMH 9: Manual for Visual Assessment of Road Pavements – CDF May 2016
-C-1-
C.2. General information
C.2.1. Road section
A road section is a length of road with a unique section number (see Part A of this document).
C.2.2. Assessment segment
An assessment segment is the length of road for which one assessment rating is recorded. It is 0.2km
for concrete pavements.
C.2.3. Shoulder
A shoulder is the area adjacent to the slow lane (or fast lane on dual carriageway roads), but within
3.5 m of the yellow or white line (or edge of the slow lane). The shoulder does not extend beyond a
kerb (if any). The paved shoulder condition is assessed as part of the adjoining lane.
C.2.4. Jointed concrete pavements (JCP or JCD)
Concrete pavements in which transverse joints are provided for the control of cracking are called
jointed concrete pavements (Figure C.1). The longitudinal joints divide the carriageway into a number
of concrete strips. The transverse joints divide each of these strips into blocks of concrete pavement,
called a pavement slab. Generally short slabs (≤ 4.5m) are used and load transfer between slabs is
created by aggregate interlock only (Jointed Concrete Plain, JCP) or by aggregate interlock and
dowel bars (Jointed Concrete Dowel, JCD). Slabs are generally not reinforced, except where special
conditions exist i.e. where the Length/Width ratio of a slab is >1.5.
Shoulder
TTT Transverse shrinkage joints
Longitudinal joints
Shoulder
Figure C.1: Jointed concrete pavements with sealed transverse and longitudinal joints
C.2.5. Continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRC) and ultra-thin continuously

reinforced concrete pavements (UTCRC)
Continuously reinforced concrete pavements do not have transverse joints (except tied transverse
construction joints) but have longitudinal joints which divide it into concrete strips (Figure C.2).
However, due to the continuous steel reinforcement in the longitudinal direction, the CRC and UTCRC
pavements develop narrow transverse cracks at close intervals. The crack spacing depends on the
amount of longitudinal steel reinforcement, the amount of steel fibre and the tensile strength of the
-C-2-
concrete. Generally crack spacing varies between 1.0m and 2.0m for CRC (normally contains only
longitudinal steel reinforcement) and between 0.3m and 0.7m for UTCRC (normally contains
longitudinal steel reinforcement and steel fibres). These cracks are not sealed. When the paving
operations are interrupted transverse construction joints are formed. Near structures, such as bridges,
contraction joints are also provided.
Shoulder
Transverse shrinkage cracks:

Narrow spacing for UTCRC
Wider spacing for CRC
Longitudinal joints
Shoulder
CRC UTCRC
Figure C.2: Typical types of cracking and jointing associated with continuously reinforced
concrete pavements
The degree of cracking is associated with the width of the crack as well as the spalling in the crack at
the surface of the slab. Newly developed cracks extend vertically through the slab, but with time and
traffic loading cracks widen, relative vertical movement between adjacent slabs develops and a small
triangular section of concrete at the surface of the slab breaks off to form spalling. Wider cracks and
spalling therefore is an indication of a loss in load transfer at cracks.
There are five different types of cracking that are considered. These are described in the next section.
C.3. Engineering Assessment
C.3.1. Random Cracking
Random, map, crazy or crocodile cracking occurs in any type of concrete pavement, normally initiates
from the top of the slab and is associated with shrinkage occurring at an early age in the pavement.
The visual appearance, crack width and spalling of cracks determines the degree (Table C.2).
Table C.2: Description of Degrees of Random Cracking
Degree Description
1 Cracks are narrow (≈1 mm), not clearly visible and without spalling.
3 Cracks are wide (≈3 mm), clearly visible with minor spalling.
5 Cracks are wide (>3 mm), clearly visible and serious spalling occurring.
-C-3-
RANDOM CRACKING
X 2 3 4 5
Narrow cracks (≈1 mm) with no

spalling
1 2 X 4 5
Wide cracks (≈3 mm) with

minor spalling
1 2 3 4 X
Wide cracks (>3 mm) with

serious spalling
-C-4-
C.3.2. Transverse cracks
Cracks parallel to joints, are recorded under this distress type. Transverse cracks normally develop in
jointed concrete pavements as a result of joints not functioning properly. However unplanned
transverse cracks can also occur in UTCRCP and CRCP, where it does not occur as part of cluster
cracking. They usually are as a result of poor construction techniques close to construction joints,
subgrade movements or crack reflection from lower layers.
Table C.3: Description of Degrees of Transverse Cracking
Degree Description
-C-5-
TRANSVERSE CRACKING
X 2 3 4 5
Narrow cracks (≈1 mm) with no

spalling
1 2 X 4 5

minor spalling
1 2 3 4 X

serious spalling
-C-6-
C.3.3. Longitudinal Cracking
Cracks parallel to joints, are recorded under this distress type. Longitudinal cracks normally develop
in all types of pavements as a result of longitudinal joints not functioning properly. However unplanned
cracks can also occur as a result of subgrade movements or crack reflection from lower layers.
Table C.4: Description of Degrees of Longitudinal Cracking
Degree Description
-C-7-
LONGITUDINAL CRACKING
X 2 3 4 5
Narrow cracks (≈1 mm) with

no spalling
1 2 X 4 5

minor spalling
1 2 3 4 X

serious spalling
-C-8-
C.3.4. Corner cracking
Corner cracks occur where two joints meet, normally observed in JCP pavements. At least one leg of
the triangle formed where the crack and the two adjacent joints meet must be shorter than 1.0m.
Table C.5: Description of Degrees of Corner Cracking
Degree Description
-C-9-
CORNER CRACKING
X 2 3 4 5

no spalling
1 2 X 4 5

minor spalling
1 2 3 4 X

serious spalling
-C-10-
C.3.5. Cluster cracking
Cluster cracking is a group of transverse cracks more closely spaced than planned for. For CRCP
where transverse cracking is designed to occur at a spacing of 1.5m to 2.0m, cluster cracking is a
group of transverse cracks spaced at less than 0.5m.
Table C.6: Description of Degrees of Cluster Cracking
Degree Description
-C-11-
CLUSTER CRACKING (CRCP)
X 2 3 4 5

no spalling
1 2 X 4 5

minor spalling
1 2 3 4 X

serious spalling
-C-12-
C.3.6. Cluster cracking
Cluster cracking is a group of transverse cracks more closely spaced than planned for. UTCRCP is
designed to have transverse cracking occur at a spacing of 0.4m to 0.7m and cluster cracking is
where a group of transverse cracks are spaced at less than 0.2m.
Table C.7: Description of Degrees of Cluster Cracking
Degree Description
Cracks are wide (>3 mm), clearly visible and serious spalling occurring. This degree has
5
not yet been recorded
-C-13-
CLUSTER CRACKING (UTCRCP)
X 2 3 4 5
Narrow cracks with no

spalling
1 2 X 4 5
Wide cracks with minor

spalling
1 2 3 4 X

serious spalling
This degree has not yet been
recorded
-C-14-
C.3.7. Pumping
Pumping of fine material occurs whenever relative vertical movements occur at cracks or joints or at
the edge of the pavement.
Table C.8: Description of Degrees of Pumping
Degree Description
1 A slight discolouring of the concrete at the sides of the joint or crack
3 Discolouring of the concrete and signs of fine material at the sides of the joint or crack.
Fine material being pumped from below the concrete slab and deposited at the sides of
5
the joint or crack.
-C-15-
PUMPING
X 2 3 4 5
Slight discolouring
1 2 X 4 5
Signs of fine material on

sides of joint
1 2 3 4 X
Fine material deposited at

the sides of the joint or crack.
-C-16-
C.3.8. Joint seal condition
Damage that occurs and which needs to be considered in the evaluation of degree includes seals that
stand proud of the surrounding concrete surface, loss of bond with the concrete, seals that have been
torn or damaged and obvious loss of elasticity.
The ruler test may be used to assist in the assessment of joint seal condition: Place a steel ruler
vertically into the joint. Exert enough pressure to allow proper contact between the sealant and the
short edge of the ruler. Turn the ruler through an angle of between 20 and 40 degrees and maintain
this position while inspecting the adhesion face. If this action is able to loosen the seal from the sides,
it indicates that the seal is in a fair to poor condition and has lost its adhesive ability to stick to the
concrete and prevent water and foreign matter to infiltrate the joint.
Table C.9: Description of Degrees of Joint Seal Condition
Degree Description
1 Seal still functional well but some indication of ageing and loss of elasticity.
Not functional i.e. sagging into the joint, protruding above the surrounding concrete and not
3
adhering to concrete or torn.
5 Seal dislodged from joint allowing water to freely enter the pavement.
The extent of joint seal condition should be determined according to the definitions given in table A.2.
-C-17-
JOINT SEAL CONDITION
X 2 3 4 5
Seal still functional
1 2 X 4 3
Seal sagging into the joint
1 2 3 4 X
Seal dislodged from joint
-C-18-
C.3.9. Faulting at joints and cracks
Faulting is the difference in elevation across a joint or a crack and develops when eroded material
(originating from the surface of the subbase) from under the leave slab builds up under the approach
slab at a joint or crack. The result is that the leave slab settles due to the material being pumped out
from under the slab leading to step forming or faulting at the joint. Faulting generally only occurs on
jointed pavements where there is no or poor load transfer between the slabs. The rocking, warping or
curling of the slab contributes to the joint faulting and could also lead to cracking as secondary effect.
Table C.10: Description of Degrees of Faulting
Degree Description
1 The fault or step is less than 3 mm.
3 The fault is between 6 and 10 mm
5 The fault is more than 15 mm.
-C-19-
FAULTING
1 2 3 4 X
Fault is less than 3 mm
1 2 3 4 X
Fault between 6 and 10 mm
1 2 3 4 X
Fault is more than 15 mm.
-C-20-
C.3.10. Undulations/Settlement
Undulation and settlement of concrete pavements is defined as surface areas having elevations lower
than those of the surrounding pavement. There is generally significant slab cracking in these areas
due to uneven settlement. This distress type is usually associated with another type of distress.
Pumping at the joints would lead to joint faulting and this might result in settlement. Consolidation of
the lower layers could lead to settlement where compaction was uneven during construction,
frequently above culverts or bridge approaches. Unevenness can also develop where pavements
have been constructed over swelling or expansive clay subgrades. Settlement of concrete pavements
usually occurs over a couple of meters because of the rigid nature of concrete.
Table C.11: Description of Degrees of Undulations/Settlement
Degree Description
1 Undulations causes slight unevenness of road profile, ride is still smooth and comfortable
Undulation is clearly visible and has an effect on riding quality. Motorists may have to
3
reduce driving speed if extent is more than merely localised.
Ride very poor and very uncomfortable owing to undulations, road unsafe at normal speed
5
limit. Speed restrictions may have been imposed.
C.3.11. Punch outs (UTCRCP and CRCP only)
Punch-outs occur in UTCRCP and CRCP pavements once cluster cracking has reached the degree 4
stage and load transfer at cracks has been lost to a high degree. At this stage the transverse cracks
of the cluster are linked by longitudinal cracks in the wheel paths of traffic and pumping starts to
develop.
Table C.12: Description of Degrees of Punch outs
Degree Description
1 Longitudinal crack develops between two transverse cluster cracks
Several longitudinal cracks between two transverse cluster cracks. Need to be

3
repaired.
5 Several cracks leading to a loose block. Urgent repair needed.
-C-21-
PUNCH OUTS
Longitudinal crack
X 2 3 4 5
Crack between two

transverse cluster cracks
1 2 X 4 5
Several cracks between two

transverse cluster cracks
1 2 3 4 X
Loose block
-C-22-
C.3.12. Shattered slabs
When a slab contains two or more random cracks of degree 3 or higher the slab is recorded as
shattered. The cracks, other than joint associated cracks, divide the slab into three or more distinct
pieces that move under traffic and need to be repaired by patching.
Note: When a slab is recorded as shattered it cannot be recorded as cracked. Do not rate other
defects on a shattered slab since shattering implies a need for full depth repair.
Table C.13: Description of Degrees of Shattered Slabs
Degree Description
1 The slab is fractured into not more than 3 fragments.
3 The slab is fractured into 5 fragments but no movement is evident.
The slab is fractured into 7 fragments or more and/or movement is clearly evident, i.e., the
5
fragments are independent of each other.
-C-23-
SHATTERED SLABS
X 2 3 4 5
Fractured into not more than

3 fragments.
1 2 X 4 5
Fractured into 5 fragments

and no movement.
1 2 3 4 X
Fractured into 7 fragments or

more with spalling caused by
movement.
-C-24-
C.3.13. Shattered slabs (UTCRP)
When a slab contains two or more random cracks of degree 3 or higher the slab is recorded as
shattered. The cracks, other than joint associated cracks, divide the slab into three or more distinct
pieces that move under traffic and need to be repaired by patching.
Note: When a slab is recorded as shattered it cannot be recorded as cracked. Do not rate other
defects on a shattered slab since shattering implies a need for full depth repair.
Table C.14: Description of Degrees of Shattered Slabs
Degree Description
1 The slab is fractured into not more than 3 fragments.
3 The slab is fractured into 5 fragments but no movement is evident.
The slab is fractured into 7 fragments or more and/or movement is clearly evident, i.e., the
5
fragments are independent of each other.
-C-25-
SHATTERED SLABS (UTCRCP)
X 2 3 4 5
Fractured into not more than

3 fragments.
1 2 X 4 5
Fractured into 5 fragments

and no movement.
1 2 3 4 X
Fractured into 7 fragments or

more with spalling caused by
movement.
-C-26-
C.3.14. Patching
The pavement is patched where failures have occurred. Degree 1 patches are isolated, small partial
depth patches where cracking, scaling or surface damaged has occurred. Where shattered slabs or
punch-outs have occurred, they can be regarded as a structurally failed pavement and full depth
patches are therefore required which is defined as degree 5 patches.
Table C.15: Description of Degrees of Patching
Degree Description
1 Isolated partial depth patch (not full depth and small).
3 Isolated full depth patch (patch a significant size).
5 Full depth patches (patch a significant size).
-C-27-
PATCHING
X 2 3 4 5
Isolated partial depth patch.
1 2 X 4 5
Isolated full depth patch.
1 2 3 4 X
Full depth patch.
-C-28-
C.3.15. Macro Texture
Texturing of the pavement is required to ensure skid resistance under wet weather conditions.
Table C.16: Description of Degrees of Texturing

Texture
Description
Type
Coarse The surfacing ha a coarse appearance with significant texture, tined finish.
Medium Significant texture, probably heavy brush finish.
Fine The surfacing is smooth. No texture, probably only float finish.
This implies the variation of the texture in the cross-section of the road surface, e.g. the surface
Varying appears smooth in the wheel paths with a different texture elsewhere. If the texture is rated as
varying, the different types of texture that are observed should also be noted.
-C-29-
MACRO TEXTURE
Coarse
Significant texture, tined

finish
Medium
Significant texture, probably

heavy brush finish
Fine
Significant texture, tined

finish
-C-30-
C.4. Functional Assessment
The functional requirements of a road reflect the service it provides to the road user. They are
predominantly those that govern the comfort, safety and speed of travel.
The various functional features to be assessed are the riding quality, surface drainage, the condition
of the unpaved shoulders (un-travelled way) and the occurrence of failures or potential failures that
have a significant effect on the useful life of the pavement. In this section they are assessed either on
a three-point scale or being noted.
C.4.1. Roughness
The roughness of a pavement is defined as the general extent to which road users, through the
medium of their vehicles, experience a ride that is smooth and comfortable, or bumpy and therefore
unpleasant or perhaps unsafe. This is determined by the unevenness of the road profile (e.g.
longitudinal deformation) and uneven patching. The description of degrees of roughness is given in
Table C.17.
Table C.17: Description of Degrees of Roughness
Degree Description
Ride very smooth and very comfortable, no unevenness of the road profile, no rutting, ravelling
1
or uneven patching.
Ride smooth and comfortable, slight unevenness of the road profile, slight rutting, ravelling or
2
uneven patching.
Ride fairly smooth and slightly uncomfortable, intermittent moderate unevenness of the road
3
profile, moderate rutting, ravelling or uneven patching.
Ride poor and uncomfortable, frequent moderate unevenness of the road profile, frequent
4
rutting, ravelling or uneven patching, comfortable driving speed below speed limit.
Ride very poor and very uncomfortable, extensive severe unevenness of the road profile,
5 extensive rutting, ravelling or uneven patching, comfortable driving speed much lower than
speed limit, road unsafe owing to severe unevenness.
Note: Problems resulting in poor roughness can be indicated on the assessment form (if required), by marking
the appropriate block(s), if provided on the form.
These problems include:
 punch outs;
 shattered slabs;
 patching;
 undulations; and
 faulting.
-C-31-
C.4.2. Skid Resistance
Skid resistance reflects the general ability of the road surface to prevent skidding when wet, in all
manoeuvres generally executed by vehicles. The property that largely determines skid resistance is
the surface texture. The two characteristics of the surface texture are:
 the macro texture related to surface texture depth, and
 The micro texture related to the smoothness of exposed aggregate.
The description of degrees of skid resistance is given in Table C.18.
Table C.18: Description of Degrees of Skid Resistance
Degree Description
Skid resistance adequate, coarse surface texture. Exposed aggregate rough with tining
1
depth > 1mm.
Skid resistance intermittently inadequate. Surface texture medium to fine. Texture depth <
3
1mm.
5 Skid resistance inadequate. Exposed aggregate polished and surface smooth to the touch.
C.4.3. Surface Drainage
The surface drainage of a road is a measure of the general ability of the road to keep the riding
surface clear of water. This is related to the speed at which water runs off during rain and to the
extent of the ponding of water during and after rain. It is an important factor that affects skid
resistance and the volume of water spray. Good surface drainage keeps the road surface clear of grit.
Surface drainage includes only the area up to two metres from the outside yellow line (paved and
unpaved shoulders).
The description of degrees is given in Table C.19.
Table C.19: Description of Degrees of Surface Drainage Ratings
Degree Description
1 No visible problem that could retard the run-off of water from the road and shoulders.
3 Problems exist that could lead to general slight ponding or severe localised ponding.
5 Problems exist that could lead to widespread severe ponding in the wheel paths.
Note: Problems leading to inadequate surface drainage can be indicated on the assessment form (if required), by
marking the appropriate blocks on the form.
-C-32-
C.4.4. Unpaved Shoulder Condition
The unpaved shoulder is rated in terms of providing a safe recovery area. Several problems might
render the unpaved shoulder unsafe, for example:
 erosion of the shoulder by water;
 wearing out by traffic;
 differences in level between edge of carriageway and shoulder;
 the width of the shoulder is too narrow;
 the cross-sectional slope of the shoulder is too steep; or
 Overgrown by vegetation.
These problems can be indicated on the assessment form by marking the appropriate blocks.
The description of the degrees of unpaved shoulder conditions is given in Table C.20.
Table C.20: Description of Degrees of Unpaved Shoulder Conditions
Degree Description
0 If the edge of the road is defined by a kerb or there are no shoulders e.g. in a mountain pass.
1 Shoulder can be safely used as stopping area at the posted speed limit.
Problems may be expected if the shoulder is used as stopping area at the posted speed limit
3
(routine maintenance required).
Shoulder is unsafe to be used as stopping area at the posted speed limit. Scheduled
5
maintenance required e.g regravelling or substantial work required
-C-33-
C.5. Summary
C.5.1. General Notes
Failures or potential failures that have a significant effect on the useful life of the pavement need to be
noted. These are not common problems but should be recorded.
C.5.2. Overall Condition of the Pavement
The description of the overall condition of the pavement is given in Table C.21. A general rating for
the condition of the pavement is useful for data verification.
Table C.21: Description of Degrees of Overall Condition of Pavement
Degree Description
1 Very few or no defects. Degree of defects less than 2.
2 Few defects. Degree of engineering defects mostly less than 3
3 A few defects of degree 3 occur locally or seldom.
4 General occurrence of defects with degree 3.
Many defects. The degree of the majority of engineering defects is above 3 and the extent is
5
predominantly general to extensive.
-C-34-
GENERAL NOTES
Crushing of the slab as a

result of expansion under hot
weather as well as poor
concrete.
Blow-up or lifting of a thin

UTCRCP slab as a result of
expansion under hot
weather. In this case at a
construction joint.
Clear signs of secondary

reaction between aggregate
and cement, probably alkali-
silica reaction, occurring
close to joints or cracks.
-C-35-
C.6. Assessment Form for Concrete Pavements
South Africa
COTO
VISUAL ASSESSMENT : CONCRETE PAVEMENTS Committee of Transport
Officials
ROAD AUTHORITY : ROUTE CLASS : 1 2 3 4 5

REGION / SUBURB : TRAFFIC : VL L M H VH
ROAD NO / STREET NAME : GRADIENT : Flat M ed Steep
TERRAIN : Flat Ro lling M o unt
SEGMENT (FROM - TO) :

SEGMENT DIMENSIONS : LENGTH m WIDTH m
ENGINEERING ASSESSMENT
TEXTURE COARSE MEDIUM FINE VARYING
DEGREE EXTENT
M INOR WA RNING SEVERE ISOLA TED EXTENSIVE
STRUCTURE GENERAL 0 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
RANDOM CRACKS
TRANSVERSE CRACKS
LONGITUDINAL CRACKS
CORNER CRACKING
CLUSTER CRACKING
PUMPING
JOINT SEAL CONDITION
FAULTING
UNDULATIONS / SETTLEMENT
PUNCH OUTS
SHATTERED SLABS
PATCHING
TEXTURE
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
ROUGHNESS 1 2 2 4 5
Problem punch outs shattered slabs patching undulations faulting
SKID RESISTANCE 1 2 2 4 5
SURFACE DRAINAGE 1 2 2 4 5
Problem rutting shoulders undulations failures side drains
SHOULDERS (unpaved) None 1 2 2 4 5
Problem eroded overgrow n inclined too high too narrow
SUMMARY
GENERAL NOTES Crushing Blow -up Alkali-silica
OVERALL PAVEMENT CONDITION 1 2 3 4 5
COMMENTS:
ASSESSOR : DATE :
-C-36-

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South Africa

MANUAL FOR VISUAL

Committee Draft Final

Committee of Transport Officials

M ANU AL FOR VISUAL ASSESSMENT OF

Committee Draft Final

Committee of Transport Officials

All rights reserved

Withdrawal of previous publication:

The Technical Methods for Highways consists of a series of publications in which

Any comments on the document will be welcomed and should be forwarded to

C.1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... C-1

Table C.1: Visual Assessment items and requirements ................................................................. C-1

PART C. CONCRETE PAVEMENTS

Table C.1: Visual Assessment items and requirements

Engineering Assessment JCP & JCD CRC & UTCRC

Joint seal condition X X

C.2. General information

C.2.1. Road section

C.2.2. Assessment segment

C.2.4. Jointed concrete pavements (JCP or JCD)

TTT Transverse shrinkage joints

C.2.5. Continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRC) and ultra-thin continuously

Transverse shrinkage cracks:

C.3. Engineering Assessment

C.3.1. Random Cracking

Table C.2: Description of Degrees of Random Cracking

Narrow cracks (≈1 mm) with no

Wide cracks (≈3 mm) with

Wide cracks (>3 mm) with

C.3.2. Transverse cracks

Table C.3: Description of Degrees of Transverse Cracking

Narrow cracks (≈1 mm) with no

Wide cracks (≈3 mm) with

Wide cracks (>3 mm) with

C.3.3. Longitudinal Cracking

Table C.4: Description of Degrees of Longitudinal Cracking

Narrow cracks (≈1 mm) with

Wide cracks (≈3 mm) with

Wide cracks (>3 mm) with

C.3.4. Corner cracking

Table C.5: Description of Degrees of Corner Cracking

Narrow cracks (≈1 mm) with

Wide cracks (≈3 mm) with

Wide cracks (>3 mm) with

C.3.5. Cluster cracking

Table C.6: Description of Degrees of Cluster Cracking

CLUSTER CRACKING (CRCP)

Narrow cracks (≈1 mm) with

Wide cracks (≈3 mm) with

Wide cracks (>3 mm) with

C.3.6. Cluster cracking

Table C.7: Description of Degrees of Cluster Cracking

CLUSTER CRACKING (UTCRCP)

Narrow cracks with no

Wide cracks with minor

Wide cracks (>3 mm) with

Table C.8: Description of Degrees of Pumping

1 A slight discolouring of the concrete at the sides of the joint or crack

Signs of fine material on