ABSTRACT
Asphalt mixtures overlays are applied to an existing road pavement (flexible or rigid) when the structural or functional conditions of the pavement have reached an unacceptable level of deterioration. Most of the overlays are designed against fatigue and rutting failure mechanisms. Pavements that are structurally sound after the placement of the overlay and that are adequately designed against rutting and fatigue distresses may show cracking patterns after a short period of time that is similar to those that existed in the old pavement. This distress is known as “reflective cracking.” Although reflective cracking is the most common failure mechanisms in rehabilitated pavements, it is rarely considered in the overlay design.
