Selecting PG Binder Grades for Airfield Pavements

Traffic loads and performance grading (PG), are used to determine the proper asphalt binder that is used in highway paving applications. This article describes a recently developed system for ensuring that the appropriate PG binder grade is used in airfield pavement applications. Traffic loads on highways can be quantified using the concept of equivalent single axle loads (ESALS). The new system for airfield pavements, developed as part of the Airfield Asphalt Pavement Technology Program (AAPTP) Project 04-02, uses a simple formula that calculates equivalent highway ESALS (EHEs) from the air traffic mix on a given runway and/or taxiway. The article relates that the process for selecting a PG binder grade for an airfield pavement first involves determining the base binder grade at a 98 percent reliability level. EHEs are then determined for the given air traffic mix. The final step involves making adjustments for the amount of traffic, the amount of aircraft stacking, and the location of the pavement within the airfield. The article gives a detailed discussion of the newly developed approach and also includes a sidebar discussing PG binder grades.

• Authors:
  • Christensen, Don
  • Bahia, Hussain
• Publication Date: 2008-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 14-16, 19
• Serial:
  • HMAT: Hot Mix Asphalt Technology
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Airport runways; Axle load force; Bituminous binders; Hot mix asphalt; Pavement design; Software
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Design; Highways; Pavements; Terminals and Facilities; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01114148
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 30 2008 11:57AM