Review of experiences with ultra-thin friction course performance on airport runways

Ultra-thin friction course (UTFC) as a proprietary thin surface course has found increased application on roads, as well as airport runways. The technology of purpose built asphalt paver machines, proprietary tack coat formulations, and grading specifications for application in the roads industry, has proliferated to the extent that generic specifications were implemented by SANRAL and a framework developed for Agrément certification. Similar specifications have been used in airport applications to evaluate the performance of these products. Road and runways are, however, different and performance measurements and/or methodologies and interpretation of such results are not directly applicable to airport runways. The paper presents and discusses experience with the performance of UTFCs constructed on various runways including Bloemfontein, Upington, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth and Mthatha Airports. Background to these projects and UTFC products are provided and assessment of performance based on relevant parameters and criteria presented. Additional criteria, such as the interface bond and aggregate source and quality variation during contracts are discussed in terms of the above mentioned performance outcomes. Various proprietary products are available in the South African market, as well as new innovative technologies, such as the use of bitumen rubber and tack-less tack coats, which enable conventional paver use. The potential of the use of these technologies for airport applications to reduce risks during construction and long term are discussed.

• Authors:
  • Hefer, A
  • Horak, E
  • Heathcote, H
  • HESS, R
  • van Aswegen, E
  • Jeewan, A
• Conference:
  • Conference on Asphalt Pavements for Southern Africa (CAPSA15), 11th, 2015, Sun City, South Africa
• Publication Date: 2015-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 8p
• Monograph Title: 11th Conference on Asphalt Pavements for Southern Africa: CAPSA15, 16-19 August 2015, Sun City, South Africa

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Airport runways; Airports; Design standards; Evaluation; Friction; Pavement layers; Pavement performance; Wearing course (Pavements)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Road design and asset management
• Geographic Terms: South Africa
• ATRI Terms: Airport; Design standard; Evaluation; Friction; Pavement layer; Pavement performance; Runway; Wearing course
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01597106
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Apr 22 2016 11:14AM