Performance Engineered Mixtures for Airfield Pavements

Project dates: April 1, 2022 – December 31, 2025

Research team: Oklahoma State University, PI: Tyler Ley; Jason Weiss, Nichols Consulting, Applied Pavement Technology, UNC-Charlotte

The ACPTP-2021-2 project develops a performance-engineered mixture (PEM) framework for slipformed airfield pavements. The following are key takeaways from the project:

• The laboratory program included the FAA Box, Quake, Phoenix w/cm, and Crater tests and standard tests for slump, air content, unit weight, resistivity, and strength.
• Correlations between these laboratory tests and field performance led to acceptance thresholds for recommended test methods.
• New recommendations for combined aggregate gradation and fine sand limits for the Airfield Tarantula Curve are recommended.
• A procedure is outlined for using electrical resistivity measurements to evaluate the long-term durability of concrete mixtures.
• Additional guidance is provided on “resetting” the approved mixture design from the laboratory-developed mixture design to the final mixture design used to construct the test strip.

Final Report: Quality Control and Quality Acceptance of Airport Pavement

Best Practices Manual: Quality Control and Quality Acceptance of Airport Pavement

Project dates: August 1, 2022 – December 31, 2025

Research team: University of North Carolina-Charlotte, PI: Tara Cavalline; Square One Pavement Consulting, Nichols Consulting Engineers, Hi-Way Paving, Doug Johnson; Tigerbrain Engineering

The report and the accompanying guidance materials developed as part of ACPTP-2022-4, Quality Control and Quality Acceptance of Concrete Airport Pavement, seek to improve airfield concrete pavement quality by providing a renewed focus on airport construction quality management (QM) systems. A best practices manual, a model contractor quality control program (CQCP), and associated training materials were prepared using a holistic approach that includes an overview of quality systems and goals, ways to promote a culture of quality, and the “nuts and bolts” of quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), process control, testing, and inspection. The manual addresses the role of quality throughout a project, from material selection and mixture development to construction and acceptance.

Effects of Diamond Grinding on Airfield Pavements

Project dates: February 1, 2023 – December 31, 2025

Research team: Nichols Consulting Engineers, PI: Jeff Stempihar; Wiss, Janey, Elstner Associates; Applied Pavement Technologies

ACPTP-2022-6 site visits and stakeholder interviews revealed that diamond ground surfaces (ranging in age from less than 1 to greater than 30 years) have generally performed well, retaining texture and not generating foreign object debris (FOD). When done correctly, grinding is a viable treatment for airfield concrete pavements. It is most effective when performed on “good quality” concrete—pavements that are durable, structurally adequate, and have appropriate distress levels for grinding treatment.

The report covers all aspects of diamond grinding airfield concrete pavements, including planning, design, and construction, with detailed emphasis on proper applications and selecting candidate pavements with attributes favorable to successful grinding outcomes. Supporting information was gathered from a literature review, project records, stakeholder interviews, and site visits to 12 airports in the United States and one airport in Canada. Detailed case studies are provided to highlight diamond ground airfield concrete pavements.