Final answer:
The cuts in a flexible pavement are made to control cracking and maintain structural integrity. They are typically made using a pavement saw equipped with a diamond blade. These cuts create control joints that allow the pavement to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cuts in a flexible pavement are made to control cracking and maintain structural integrity. The most common type of cuts in flexible pavements are called transverse joints, which are made perpendicular to the centerline of the pavement.
To make these cuts, a pavement saw equipped with a diamond blade is typically used. The saw cuts through the asphalt layer down to the base material. The cuts are usually about 0.75 to 1 inch deep and spaced about 10 to 12 feet apart.
The purpose of these cuts is to create control joints that allow the pavement to expand and contract with temperature changes, reducing the likelihood of cracking. The cuts also help to relieve stress and prevent the formation of random cracks.