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Airfields
Airfield pavements are intended primarily for airplane traffic in stationary,
taxiing and takeoff/landing modes. HMA is a durable, high-strength
pavement materials that is entirely appropriate for airfields. In fact,
over 90 percent of the paved airfields in the U.S. are paved with HMA.
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| Figure 1: Friday Harbor Airport |
Figure 2: King County Airport |
Assumed Traffic
Airplanes. A methodical and
reasonably accurate estimation of the type and number of airplanes is essential in
determining the proper pavement
structural design.
As with vehicular roads, heavy loads (e.g., jet liners, cargo planes) will
control the design.
Design Considerations
Airfield pavement design is dominated by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA). The FAA has its own pavement specifications and design
considerations.
Construction Considerations
Airfield pavement construction can be markedly different than vehicular
roadway construction. Although these differences are too numerous to list
here it should be noted that FAA compaction requirements are
typically more stringent than State DOT, city or county requirements. This
is because HMA paving by the FAA is generally intended for airport pavements,
which experience less traffic and have different operating requirements (e.g. up
to 60,000 lb. wheel loads, grooving and rubber removal) (Rapol, 2001).
Generally the FAA believes its aircraft pavements need 1 to 1.5 percent more
initial density than vehicular pavements to meet their functional requirements (Rapol,
2001).
Recommended Reference
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FAA. (1999). AC
150/5370-10A: Item P-401 Plant Mix Bituminous Pavements thru CHG 12.
FAA. Washington, D.C.
http://www.faa.gov/arp/5370p401.doc
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The Asphalt Institute. (1987).
Thickness Design - Asphalt Pavements for Air Carrier Airports, Manual Series No. 11. The Asphalt
Institute. Lexington, KY.
(www.asphaltinstitute.org)
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The Asphalt Institute. (1987).
Thickness Design - Asphalt Pavements for General Aviation, Information Series No. 154. The Asphalt
Institute. Lexington, KY.
(www.asphaltinstitute.org)
Recommended Minimum Pavement Thickness and Design
(inches)
To be determined using an approved procedure.
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