AN EVALUATION PROCEDURE FOR RIGID AIRFIELD PAVEMENTS

Abstract

The evaluation of rigid airfield pavements is essential for ensuring their structural integrity under the heavy loads imposed by aircraft. Traditional methods, which often involve destructive testing, can cause significant operational disruptions. This paper presents a nondestructive testing (NDT) approach utilizing the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) to assess pavement conditions rapidly and effectively without compromising airfield operations. Developed by the U.S. Air Force Engineering and Services Center (AFESC) and the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, this methodology leverages wave propagation and surface deflection techniques to evaluate pavement structural health. The FWD method has proven superior in terms of speed, data quality, and operational efficiency. It enables the rapid collection of data points with high repeatability, reducing manpower requirements and enhancing the identification of potential failure points within the pavement structure. Additionally, the FWD's ability to measure load transfer across jointed concrete slabs offers a significant advantage in assessing pavement performance under aircraft loads. This paper outlines the development of the evaluation procedure, including the selection of the FWD system, the theoretical basis of the method rooted in multi-layered linear elastic theory, and the practical application of this approach in field conditions. A case study at Grissom Air Force Base, Indiana, illustrates the procedure's application, demonstrating its effectiveness in determining the structural capacity of heavily loaded airfield pavements and guiding maintenance and repair decisions. This innovative NDT approach marks a significant advancement in airfield pavement evaluation, offering a more efficient and less intrusive method for maintaining the structural integrity of critical aviation infrastructure. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)