Which type of cracking occurs approximately at right angles to the pavement centerline due to stresses or shrinkage?

Transverse cracking is characterized by cracks that develop approximately at right angles to the pavement centerline. This type of cracking often occurs due to the tensile stresses and shrinkage within the pavement material, particularly when environmental conditions lead to temperature fluctuations or moisture changes. As the pavement experiences these stresses, the materials expand and contract, causing cracks to form in a transverse manner.

This phenomenon is commonly observed in asphalt and concrete pavements, especially in areas subjected to heavy traffic loads or where the pavement has insufficient expansion joints. When the temperature drops or the pavement dries out, the material can contract, leading to the formation of these perpendicular cracks across the lane, hence the term "transverse." Understanding this type of cracking is crucial for civil engineers as it informs maintenance and repair strategies to ensure the longevity of pavement structures.