Bleeding

Bleeding is a film of bituminous material on the pavement surface that creates a shiny, glass like, reflecting surface that usually becomes quite sticky. Bleeding is caused by excessive amounts of asphaltic cement or tars in the mix, or low air void content, or both. It occurs when asphalt fills the voids of the mix during hot weather, and then expands out onto the surface of the pavement. Since the bleeding process is not reversible during cold weather, asphalt or tar will accumulate on the surface.

Guidance on identifying and measuring bleeding on AC-surfaced pavements.
Severity Distress Example Description
N/A Photo showing a small area (say 20 square feet [2 square meters]) of an asphalt pavement surface where asphalt binder material is visible on the pavement's surface. No degrees of severity are defined. It is sufficient to indicate that bleeding exists.