DEVELOPMENT OF A PROBABILISTIC RIGID PAVEMENT DESIGN METHODOLOGY FOR MILITARY AIRFIELDS

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a probabilistic based rigid airfield design methodology applicable to current USACE, USAF and FAA airfield design approaches. The analysis is based upon the application of the approximate closed form probabilistic Solution (Taylor Series Expansion) to Westergaard free edge slab theory. The methodology developed was used to formulate reliability based solutions that interrelate either slab thick­ness and the desired traffic coverage levels. Implementability of the approach is illus­ trated by a study involving ranges of in-situ material variability, foundation support and aircraft load ranges. The results clearly demonstrate the major importance of the "design reliability level" upon design thickness.