Faulting Faulting is a vertical offset between adjacent concrete slabs caused by differential settlement or repeated loading. One slab sits higher or lower than the next.
Faulting commonly develops when supporting soil erodes or compresses beneath one section of pavement. Repeated traffic and water infiltration can worsen the height difference over time. The resulting uneven surface often creates pedestrian hazards and may require slab replacement or foundation repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Faulting
What is faulting?
A vertical offset between adjacent concrete slabs, where one sits higher than the next, caused by differential settlement or repeated loading.
How is it different from heaving?
Heaving is upward movement from forces below. Faulting is a difference in elevation between neighboring slabs, often from one settling rather than one rising.
Why does faulting get worse?
Water enters the joint and pumps fines out from under the lower slab with each load, deepening the offset.
Is faulting a violation?
A vertical difference of a half inch or more between flags meets NYC's trip hazard threshold.