Asphalt overlays are one of the most common tools for rehabilitating existing asphalt and concrete pavements. However, the performance of new overlays is often jeopardized by the cracking distress in the existing pavement. This existing cracking propagates, or reflects, through the new overlay to the surface of the new overlay. The rate at which this reflection cracking propagates to the surface is a function of overlay thickness crack severity, traffic loading and subgrade or subbase support. Reducing the rate at which these reflection cracks propagate to the surface of the pavement is desirable in order to lengthen the time between rehabilitation projects or crack sealing operations.
