A step toward improving management practices for airfield pavement infrastructures: a mechanistic-based analysis approach

Abstract

Conventional performance indicators commonly used to evaluate airfield pavement infrastructures focus on surface condition assessment. However, the structural soundness of pavements remains a key element in determining the best intervention measures. Methods used worldwide to design and evaluate flexible airfield pavements are often based on the Multi-Layered Elastic Theory (MLET). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also applies MLET to analyse data collected primarily with on-site Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). However, material behaviour is not always aligned with MLET assumptions. In this study, pavement analysis results are investigated from a mechanistic view considering, in particular, the viscoelastic properties of Asphalt Concrete (AC). The analysis is performed using NDT and coring data collected in-situ from a runway considering variable aircraft loading and moving speeds. Based on the response status at both critical locations of a flexible pavement plus its surface, it is observed that MLET appears to be less conservative at normal operating speeds, where higher pavement damage is expected. In addition, an integration potential of viscoelastic strains and NDT data is shown, which can accelerate the pavement evaluation process. It is expected that the presented approach can provide a framework for improving airfield pavement management practices.