Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Friction of Airfield Pavements

This paper describes how Canadian airport agencies have recently reported problems related to poor frictional properties of newly constructed (HMAC) mixes. Skid resistance of pavement surfaces is the most important component in measuring the pavement safety. Proper skid resistance is essential for safe runway operations, especially if water exists in any form. Skid resistance of pavement surface is dependent on the surface microtexture and macrotexture. Choosing good quality, polish-resistant aggregate controls microtexture and the macrotexture depends on the type and stability of mix and aggregate gradation. The main objective of this paper is to present results of the investigation of the effect of aggregate type and gradation on the safety of runway HMAC surfaces. To achieve this objective, three different mixes were obtained from Ottawa International Airport (OIA) during the rehabilitation of two taxiways. Two mixes were surface courses where limestone aggregates were used in one mix and dolomite stone aggregates were used in the other mix. The effect of aggregate gradation was evaluated through the third mix, which was a base course. The testing program included periodic friction measurements in the laboratory and in the field. The shear strength was evaluated at three different temperatures to indicate the rutting susceptibility for the mixes under study. The indirect tensile strength and moisture sensitivity tests were also evaluated. Test results showed that using dolomite stone aggregates was not a good solution in providing more safe aircraft operation. Although using these aggregates resulted in a higher initial British pendulum number (BPN), periodic measurements showed that using dolomite stones did not cause BPN to increase over that of surface course fabricated using limestone aggregates. In addition, asphalt mix made of limestone aggregates resulted in higher shear strength and better mechanical properties. The test results of the base course emphasized the role of coarser aggregate gradation to enhance the skid resistance of airfield HMAC surfaces.

• Corporate Authors:

  Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie

  Rua da Consolacao, 930
  , Sao Paulo  Brazil 

  Brazilian Pavement Association

  Miguel Couto 105, Sobrelojas 204 e 205
  Rio de Janiero, CEP 20070-030,   Brazil 
• Authors:
  • EL-DESOUKY, A
  • Halim, A O Abd El
  • Hassan, Yasser
  • Scarlett, J R
  • FARHA, M
• Conference:
  • 2003 International Conference. Airports: Planning, Infrastructure & Environment
  • Location: Rio de Janiero , Brazil
  • Date: 2003-6-8 to 2003-6-11
• Publication Date: 2003

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 15p
• Monograph Title: 2003 International Conference. Airports: Planning, Infrastructure & Environment

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregate gradation; Aircraft operations; Airport runways; Asphalt mixtures; Aviation safety; Base course (Pavements); Pavement performance; Skid resistance
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Pavements; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01144352
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 01-067
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 17 2009 2:58PM