EFFECTS OF SLAB SIZE ON FIELD PERFORMANCE OF AIRPORT PAVEMENT INDICATED BY PAVEMENT CONDITION INDEX(PCI)

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of slab size on airport pavement performance through statistical analysis of Pavement Condition Index (PCI) data and numerical analysis. It examines data from 174 airports, assessing the relationship between slab size and pavement performance. The findings reveal that smaller slab sizes generally result in better pavement performance across various pavement types and ages. The study suggests that current FAA standards, which often favor larger slabs, might benefit from a reconsideration towards smaller sizes, especially for apron pavements. The research highlights the need for further studies to optimize slab size for enhanced pavement longevity and performance. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)