Which category of asphalt defects is considered more severe due to its tendency for aircraft tires to get stuck?

Longitudinal cracking is considered more severe because it creates a situation where aircraft tires can potentially catch or get caught in the cracks. This not only affects the performance of aircraft on the runway but can also lead to dangerous situations during takeoff and landing. The orientation of longitudinal cracks, which run parallel to the direction of traffic, allows for a larger surface area for tires to make contact, increasing the likelihood of tire immersion in the crack. This severity impacts runway safety significantly.

Transverse cracking, alligator cracking, and potholes represent different forms of asphalt defects but do not pose the same level of risk in terms of tire engagement. Transverse cracking runs perpendicular to the direction of travel, thus posing less risk of tire entrapment. Alligator cracking is typically associated with fatigue failure and indicates structural issues but does not inherently create a situation where tires can become lodged. Potholes, while hazardous, present a different concern related to vehicle suspension system damage rather than tire sticking.