Full-scale field testing of precast Portland cement concrete panel airfield pavement repairs

Abstract

A series of various sized Portland cement concrete (PCC) airfield repairs was performed using precast panels. The repairs received simulated C-17 aircraft traffic, and each repair was trafficked to failure. A heavy weight deflectometer was used to measure the panels' response to loading with increasing traffic applications. The results of traffic testing were used to evaluate the suitability of the precast panel repair technique for rapidly repairing PCC airfield pavements. Test results showed that the repair system was capable of supporting at least 5000 passes and possibly as many as 10,000 passes of C-17 traffic. Compared with other rapid airfield repair methods, the precast panel repair alternative may provide similar return-to-service timeliness and traffic performance at a slightly higher cost. Modifications to the system design and placement procedures are recommended to improve the field performance of the panels.