Alligator Cracking: Photos and Documentation Guide
Capture pattern, limits, lane context, nearby drainage and verified measurements without assigning cause from photos alone. This photo guide keeps the visible record, required verification and responsible follow-up together.
TruInspector editorial team · Reviewed October 8, 2026
Capture pattern, limits, lane context, nearby drainage and verified measurements without assigning cause from photos alone. Start with the exact inspection purpose and location, document only what the submitted evidence supports, and keep measurements, testing or professional determinations clearly marked for field review.
FIELD WORKFLOW
Use this photo guide
1
Identify the pavement area, lane, station, parking row or marking segment.
2
Capture a context view and a perpendicular or close detail view when safe.
3
Include a verified scale or field measurement when size affects the decision.
4
Separate visible distress from material acceptance and performance tests.
5
Preserve before-and-after views with repair date and scope.
PRINTABLE WORKSHEET
Fields to complete
Alligator Cracking: Photos and Documentation Guide
01Establishing photo
Record:
02Asset or assembly view
Record:
03Close evidence photo
Record:
04Scale, identifier or location reference
Record:
05After-repair verification photo
Record:
DOCUMENTATION EXAMPLE
A finding that stays within the evidence
Asset or area
Pavement marking
Visible condition
A lane-line segment appears visibly worn and discontinuous. Nighttime retroreflectivity and the full affected length were not established.
Recommended action
Confirm the required layout and material, measure the affected segment and performance as applicable, then document surface preparation and restored marking.
Make the report easier to review
Use a short finding title, identify the exact location and place the strongest evidence beside the written observation. Explain the recommended next step in practical order: verify, make safe when needed, correct the confirmed condition and retain completion evidence.
Keep sources tied to the finding
Record the jurisdiction, adopted edition, contract, company procedure or customer-supplied requirement that applies. A source link helps the reviewer locate the material; it does not prove that every requirement applies to the photographed condition.
State what the evidence cannot prove
Images do not establish pavement thickness, density, compaction, skid resistance, structural cause or marking retroreflectivity.
STARTING SOURCES
References for qualified review
Confirm the current edition, jurisdiction and applicability before relying on a requirement.