Final answer:
Transverse cracking in asphalt pavement is known as thermal cracking and occurs due to the material's contraction in response to severe temperature drops, causing stress that leads to cracking. Thermal stress, which may have both destructive and useful applications, is a critical concern in engineering and construction, necessitating design considerations to prevent damage to infrastructure. The correct option is D) thermal cracking
Step-by-step explanation:
Transverse cracking in asphalt pavement is also called thermal cracking because it is caused by the fracture of asphalt mix due to a severe drop in temperature. This phenomenon occurs as asphalt contracts when temperatures drop, and if the material is unable to accommodate the stress from the contraction, it fractures, leading to cracks on the road’s surface. These cracks are typically perpendicular to the road's centerline, hence called transverse.
Thermal stress is a broader concept that explains various phenomena resulting from thermal expansion or contraction. Materials expand when heated and contract when cooled, which can lead to destructive effects, such as gasoline rupturing a tank, or useful applications, like joining two parts in manufacturing. In the context of asphalt pavement, thermal stress due to low temperatures can cause transverse cracking, which may become a safety concern and require repair work to maintain the integrity of the roadway.
Understanding and mitigating thermal stress is essential in various fields, such as engineering and construction, to prevent damage to structures and ensure longevity. This includes designing expansion joints in roadways and bridges, using materials with similar expansion coefficients in medical implants, and selecting appropriate filling materials in dentistry that closely match the expansion properties of human teeth.