Transverse Cracking. A significant transverse crack is depicted in Fig. 3.26. Transverse cracking severity varies from hairline cracks to cracks sufficiently wide to completely separate the slab into two distinct pieces. Hairline cracks are expected in reinforced concrete and pose no expected problems. In plain concrete pavement, a hairline crack can be a sign of future problems. Without reinforcing mesh to hold the crack together, the long-term performance of the slab is questionable; however, as long as the crack is tightly closed (hairline), it poses no problem. Regardless of