Mitigating potential alkali-silica reaction expansion in airfield concrete pavements

Under the previous Airport Pavement Technology Program (APTP) between 2002 and 2006, much research was accomplished. Early alkali-silica reaction (ASR) research had suggested that airfield pavement deicer exacerbates ASR expansion in concrete. However, an APTP-funded Innovative Pavement Research Foundation report (IPRF 05-7) concluded that pavement deicer does not cause ASR in airfield pavements. Further APTP research demonstrated Class F Fly Ash, which is a waste product recycled from coal combustion power plants, to be an effective mitigator of ASR expansion. However, with the slowdown of coal-fired power plants resulting in limited supplies of Class F Fly Ash, other means of mitigating ASR expansion must be found. Research is needed to find alternative materials and methods for mitigating ASR expansion in concrete pavements as well as to develop a new rapid test procedure to identify ASR-susceptible aggregates.

Research team:  Oregon State University, PI: Jason Ideker; the University of Texas-Austin, University of New Brunswick, RJ Lee Group

Project dates: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2025

Performance engineered mixtures for airfield pavements

Research is ongoing with performance-engineered mixtures for highway pavements. However, the differences between highway and airfield pavements are significant, including different mixture performance requirements. These mixture-related differences need to be evaluated, understood, and cataloged. Procedures and best practices for concrete mixture optimization with airfield pavements need to be developed and incorporated into airfield specifications.

Research team: Oklahoma State University, PI: Tyler Ley; Jason Weiss, Nichols Consulting, Applied Pavement Technology, UNC-Charlotte

Project dates: April 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025

Best practices for rapid repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of concrete airport pavements

The aim of the work is to build upon the accelerated construction guide and case studies developed under the IPRF program to develop the guidance and standards for rapid construction projects such that the engineer, airport sponsor, and FAA have guidance they can rely on to provide quality concrete pavements under rapid construction practices.

Research team:  Applied Research Associates (ARA), PI: Scott Murrell; Senseney Engineering, Kiewit Engineering Group

Project dates:  March 1, 2022 – May 31, 2025

Quality Control and Quality Acceptance of Airport Pavement

In December 2018 the FAA released an update to Advisory Circular 150/5370-10, Standard Specifications for Construction of Airports. The updated specification centered around the need for improved quality control and quality assurance of airfield construction. The aim of the work is to develop a best practices manual for quality processes specifically at concrete airfield sites in the context of P-501 and military concrete pavement specifications. In addition, training materials will be prepared to help agency and contractor staff become fully conversant with the material.

Research team:  University of North Carolina-Charlotte, PI: Tara Cavalline; Square One Pavement Consulting, Nichols Consulting Engineers, Hi-Way Paving, Doug Johnson

Project dates:  August 1, 2022 – January 31, 2025