The construction of airfield pavements, consisting of runways, taxiways, and aprons, is a complex task requiring a high level of attention to detail and quality. Approximately 85% of these pavements are made of asphalt, Duramax Industrial Paving & Concrete meets the strict specifications and demands for every aviation project we’re involved in. We pride ourselves on focusing on the details because the opportunity in the aviation space is significant. In the United States alone, airfields have around 460 million square yards of paved surface, equivalent to a quarter of the surface area of the US interstate highway system.
Airfield paving is a challenging task, as airfields face heavier loads from aircraft with higher tire pressure than typical roadways. To meet these demands, quality construction materials and tighter construction tolerances are required. The paving process must also be done quickly and during off-peak hours to avoid disruptions to airport operations and landing fees.
The need for airfield pavement rehabilitation often arises due to foreign object debris (FOD) caused by cracking, raveling, or spalling in the pavement. To receive funding from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants, the paving projects must comply with FAA guidelines, with the main specification being FAA P-401. The requirements for smaller airfields may now incorporate state DOT paving specifications with minor modifications, while airfields with larger aircraft must still follow the original specifications.
To achieve a high-quality airfield pavement, requires use of quality crushed stone with proper gradation and focus on compaction rates. The compaction requirements for airfield pavements are significantly higher and non-compliance can result in stiff penalties. Proper lift thickness and monitoring density using a nuclear density gauge are critical to meeting the specifications.
Proper attention must also be given to edges and joints in the paving process. At a longitudinal joint, the FAA requires the unconfined edge to be cut back 6 inches to prevent permeability and future FOD issues. A fuel-resistant mix, such as the P-404 specification incorporating a high percentage of highly modified liquid binder, should be used in areas prone to fuel spills.
In conclusion, paving airfields is a challenging task that requires high attention to detail and a focus on quality. Due to the heavy loading and high tire pressure faced by airfield pavements, it is crucial to use quality materials, ensure proper compaction rates, pay attention to edges and joints, and use fuel-resistant mixes where necessary. Contractors must adhere to stringent FAA guidelines and specifications, such as FAA P-401 and P-404, to receive funding and ensure successful paving projects.
If you're looking for an aviation paving specialist contact us today to schedule a consultation!