Definition of Research Needs to Address Airport Pavement Distress in Cold Regions

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Definition of Research Needs to Address Airport Pavement Distress in Cold Regions

T. S. Vinson / R. L. Berg / I. Zomerman / W. Haas

In early fall 1984, a questionnaire was sent to over 325 general aviation airports in cold regions. The results from over 200 responses were compiled and evaluated and over 20 airport managers were contacted for additional details. Site visits were made to 36 airports to obtain additional information. The most common pavement problems identified in the study were associated with non-traffic-related phenomena and include 1) pre-existing cracks reflecting through asphalt concrete overlays (in two years less), 2) thermal cracking, and 3) longitudinal cracking (at a construction joint). Most of the airports experienced 1) water pumping up through cracks and joints in the pavements during spring thaw, or 2) additional roughness due to differential frost heave in the winter, or both problems. Many airport managers reported that debris was generated at cracks during the winter and spring. Many pavement problems can be traced to the evolutionary history of general aviation airports and the lack of consideration for site drainage. Based on the recognition of these problems, several future research programs are identified. Keywords: Airfields: Frost action; Surveys. (SDW)