The Benefits of Using a Geospatial Airport Pavement Management System at Denver and Tampa International Airports

Abstract

Geospatial airfield pavement evaluation and management systems (GAPEMS) have been implemented at Denver and Tampa International Airports that use the power of GIS for data collection, data integration, 100% pavement inspection, and geospatial analysis of remaining life. Surface condition data collected as part of GAPEMS was used to determine traditional network level Pavement Condition Index (PCI) data. PCI data alone, however, was insufficient in terms of understanding the performance of the pavements. A remaining life analysis was developed to integrate additional data into the process to determine project level maintenance and rehabilitation recommendations. A geospatial pavement evaluation and management system has the advantages of quick inspection time, full pavement coverage, project level data for maintenance and rehabilitation, and the ability to integrate other pavement data into the geospatial remaining life analysis. The benefits documented at both Tampa and Denver International Airports included an understanding of the failure mechanisms of the pavements, analysis of remaining life, and costs savings by shifting priorities to only those pavements in need of repair or replacement rather than pavements that reach a specific condition trigger level. Denver performed a GAPEMS inspection of the entire airport in 2006 and 2009 and the integrated geospatial remaining life analysis and geospatial data have been invaluable in shifting priorities for reconstruction. Tampa Airport completed an airport inspection in two parts in 2008 and 2009 and the geospatial pavement management system has allowed for the combining of maintenance and operational activities into an integrated airport GIS system. This allows the Operations Department to geospatially identify areas of concern for the Maintenance Department to address and update.