Pavement Performance Starts From What’s Underneath

SITE Technologies
July 14, 2025

Pavement might not steal the spotlight in commercial properties, but when it fails everyone notices. Pavement reconstruction is a hit to the budget and a disruption to the property’s operations. Understanding what’s happening below the surface is key to more accurate maintenance planning, smarter capital spending, and better long-term outcomes.

Common Subsurface Issues That Impact Pavement Condition

The following subsurface challenges are leading causes of premature pavement failure:

Poor Subgrade Conditions

Weak, expansive, or clay-rich soils don’t provide the necessary support for traffic loads. As moisture levels fluctuate, these soils swell and shrink—causing cracks and early degradation.

Improper Compaction

If the subgrade soil isn’t compacted correctly before pavement is installed, it becomes unstable under traffic, causing settlement and eventual pavement failure.

Inadequate Drainage

Water infiltration weakens structural pavement layers. In colder regions, freeze-thaw cycles can create upheaval and cracking. Without proper drainage, even the best pavement won’t last.

Unexpected Voids

Abandoned or poorly buried utilities can leave hidden pockets underground. If undetected, these voids cause settlement and localized pavement damage after construction.

Pavement Performance Is a Data Problem—And We Solve It with AI

At SITE Technologies, we use an AI-powered asset management platform that integrates pavement condition assessment AI, remote asset inspections, and historical data to identify degradation risks before they appear at the surface.

By analyzing property-specific factors like regional climate, soil conditions, historical data and drainage patterns, our automated facility assessment models generate predictive insights. These insights help property owners:

  • Detect premature failure due to subgrade issues
  • Prioritize repairs more accurately
  • Reduce maintenance costs with AI
  • Optimize CAPEX planning for facilities

This proactive approach is part of our broader infrastructure asset management platform, helping you maximize value across your property portfolio.

To speak to a pavement specialist today, please contact info@sitetechnologies.io