Pavement grinding is primarily caused by which of the following?

Pavement grinding is primarily caused by which of the following?

• A. Small rocks or pebbles trapped by a locked tire that scratch the pavement
• B. Wear from weather over time
• C. Rain erosion
• D. Snow plow marks

Answer: (C)

Pavement grinding comes from rain erosion. Repeated raindrop impact and the flow of water over the surface abrasion away tiny surface particles, gradually polishing and thinning the pavement layer. This rain-driven action removes fines and smooths the surface, producing that worn, grinding feel over time. While rocks kicked up by tires, general weathering, or plow marks can cause damage, they don’t produce the same pervasive, water-driven wearing that rain erosion does.

Pavement grinding comes from rain erosion. Repeated raindrop impact and the flow of water over the surface abrasion away tiny surface particles, gradually polishing and thinning the pavement layer. This rain-driven action removes fines and smooths the surface, producing that worn, grinding feel over time. While rocks kicked up by tires, general weathering, or plow marks can cause damage, they don’t produce the same pervasive, water-driven wearing that rain erosion does.