Crocodile cracking, also known as alligator cracking, is a type of asphalt pavement distress that takes the form of interconnected cracks resembling the skin of a crocodile. It typically occurs as a result of repetitive stress and flexing of the asphalt surface under vehicular loads. The cracks can persist through various stages:
This type of cracking is often localized and indicative of structural issues within the pavement.
Crocodile cracking is primarily caused by fatigue stress due to repeated vehicular loads. Other contributing factors include:
Repeated flexion under traffic accelerates the propagation of cracks, eventually forming the distinctive crocodile skin pattern.
Crocodile cracking significantly affects both the functionality and safety of roads:
It occurs along the highway length where vehicle tires often pass. The deformation is primarily induced by fatigue stress resulting from repeated loads.
Develops parallel to the center of the pavement, but outside wheel paths. This type is often associated with moisture content or poor construction quality for subgrade problems.
Caused by repetitive stress, it originates in the subgrade and propagates to the surface.
Occurs when an asphalt overlay is applied over existing cracks. The original cracks reappear on the new surface due to underlying issues that remain unaddressed.
Certain types of roads and surfaces are more susceptible, including:
Geogrids are geosynthetic materials used to reinforce asphalt pavements. They play a crucial role in preventing crocodile cracking by:
Water infiltration affects the subgrade and asphalt layers by:
To minimize reflective cracking:
One of the common problems in asphalt pavements is crocodile cracking due to repeated stress, infiltration of water, and weaknesses in the subgrade. Understanding the causes and effects of this problem can help adopt appropriate preventive measures. Geogrid integration, proper drainage provision, and adherence to the best practices of construction can significantly reduce the occurrence of this type of cracking, thereby elongating the life of pavements and reducing the cost of repairs.
A highway requires proper care and modern reinforcement solutions, such as the use of geogrids, in order to be safely used for centuries.
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Director, President – Glen Raven Technical Fabrics
Strata/Glen Raven tenure: 10 years/28 years
Total industry experience: 35 years
MBA – Wake Forest University
Directs the strategic direction of Glen Raven’s automotive, protective apparel, military, geogrid, outdoor and logistic businesses.
Director, General Manager, Strata Inc.
Strata/Strata Inc. tenure: 3 years/14 years
Total industry experience: 25 years
MBA – Georgia State University
Led the integration of Strata Inc. business operations into the headquarters of GRTF and transition from USA based to India based manufacturing.
Director
Strata tenure: 17 years
Total industry experience: 47 years
CA – ICA
Played a key role in the establishment of Strata’s India operations. Provides vision for product innovation and leveraging new technology trends.
Global Technical Sales Director
Strata tenure: 7 years
Total industry experience: 32 years
Civil & Geotechnical Engineer (First class)
Provides highly technical and innovative civil engineering solutions in India and around the world. Responsible for the design and execution of large-scale geotechnical projects around the world including Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and South America.
CTO – Chief Technology Officer
Strata tenure: 9 years
Total industry experience: 48 years
BTech (Hons), MTech (Civil) Both IIT Bombay, DMS (Bombay University), FIE, FIGS, Chartered Engineer
Streamlines the designs of Geosynthetics and has brought innovation in geogrid and geocell design application.
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Strata tenure: 13 years
Total industry experience: 24 years
MBA – University of Gujarat
Leads the monetization of products and solutions while ensuring highest execution quality and project profitability.
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Strata tenure: 13 years
Total industry experience: 33 years
BE (Mechanical) – Nagpur University
Drives excellence in process design, product features and cost effectiveness in production.
CFO – Chief Financial Officer
Strata tenure: 8 years
Total industry experience: 35 years
CA – ICA, ICWA – ICWAI
Leads the finance, accounting, taxation, commercial, legal and IT functions and assisting on all strategic and operational matters.
CDO – Chief Development Officer
Strata tenure: 10 years
Total industry experience: 13 years
MBA – ISB, Hyderabad
Leads diversification of the product portfolio, monetizing the new products and ensuring successful sustained financial growth of the company top line.
CEO – Chief Executive Officer
Strata tenure: 14 years
Total industry experience: 42 years
B Tech (Chemical) – IIT Delhi
Leads day-to-day business operations of the company with focus on capacity expansion, product and process improvement.
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