The Airport Asphalt Pavement Technology Program (AAPTP) released two new research reports offering updated technical guidance to improve the performance, safety, and durability of asphalt pavements at the nation’s airfields. The findings give engineers and contractors new tools for testing, design, and construction at airports nationwide.
The two studies address compaction method validation for asphalt mix design and the prevention of pavement slippage failures at high-speed runway exits.
In Study 1, “Validating Gyration Levels for Asphalt Mix Design,” new research confirms that both the traditional Marshall hammer and the modern Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) can produce comparable results for airport asphalt mix design, giving agencies and contractors a reliable baseline for using either system. The study also provides practical guidance for organizations transitioning to newer compaction equipment.
In Study 2, “Preventing Slippage Failures at High-Speed Exits,” a second study identifies the key causes of pavement slippage failures near high-speed runway exits—zones where aircraft rapidly transition from landing speeds to taxiing—and equips airport engineers with improved tools for pavement design and construction. Findings address interface delamination, shear-stress ratio thresholds, and temperature sensitivity.
For more, visit www.airportasphalt.com.