THE RENOVATION OF THE RUNWAYS ON BRUSSELS NATIONAL AIRPORT: FAST AND HIGH-QUALITY EXECUTION

This paper describes how the three bitumen-paved runways of Brussels National Airport were renovated in depth between the years 1996 and 1999. As it was unthinkable to put any of the three runways out of service for an extended period of time, it was decided to close one runway each year for a maximum duration of one month. High-quality work was nevertheless required to go together with speed of execution. The first step taken to meet this double objective was to subject the pavements of the runways to a thorough condition survey. The design for their renovation and the consequent specifications were based on the results of this survey. After the contract had been awarded, the feasibility of the solutions suggested by the contractor was examined on trial areas; these areas also served to calibrate the nuclear gauges to be used for checking the densities achieved in laying and compaction. Thanks to the know-how of the contractor and to intensive and systematic verifications during execution, the works were completed within the specified times and to the satisfaction of the client. After seven years of intensive service, the pavements are still in perfect condition and allow hope for a longer service life than they were initially designed for (twelve years).

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Full conference proceedings available on CD-ROM.
• Corporate Authors:

  World Road Association (PIARC)

  La Grande Arche, Paroi Nord, Niveau 5
  F-92055 La Defense Cedex,   France 
• Authors:
  • De Backer, C
  • Glorie, G
• Conference:
  • The XXIInd PIARC World Road Congress
  • Location: Durban, South Africa
  • Date: 2003-10-19 to 2003-10-25
• Publication Date: 2003

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Tables;
• Pagination: 10p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Airport runways; Bitumen; Condition surveys; Inspection; Maintenance; Pavement design; Pavement maintenance; Pavement performance; Pavements; Quality control
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Design; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements; Terminals and Facilities; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00987835
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 3 2005 12:00AM