What is the best permanent repair method for alligator cracking?

The best permanent repair method for alligator cracking is a full-depth patch. Alligator cracking, which resembles the pattern of an alligator's skin, often indicates a failure in the underlying structural layer of the pavement. This type of damage is typically caused by repeated loading and inadequate support beneath the surface layer.

A full-depth patch involves removing and replacing not only the cracked surface but also the underlying materials down to the subgrade, effectively addressing the root cause of the cracking. By completely removing the compromised layers, this method ensures that the new pavement is built on a sound base, allowing for improved strength and durability.

In contrast, other methods such as surface seals, overlays, or crack sealing may provide temporary relief or cosmetic improvements but do not resolve the underlying issues that cause alligator cracking. A surface seal might help protect the pavement but will not fix the deeper structural problems. An overlay adds a new surface layer without correcting existing deficiencies in the pavement structure, while crack sealing is suitable for smaller cracks but ineffective for widespread alligator cracking, as it does not address the issues beneath the surface.