01622500

Component

The issue of slab size or maximum joint spacing of concrete airfield pavements has been the subject of much research and debate. The thesis of this paper is that the limiting factor in slab size is the shrinkage characteristic of the portland cement which is very significant. The authors propose that using a calcium sulfoaluminate cement that has less than half the shrinkage of portland cements can extend the joint spacing to 37.5 feet or longer. A longitudinal joint that is spaced 37.5 feet from the runway centerline would be uniquely beneficial for wide-bodied aircraft since the aircraft landing gear tire will no longer run on or over the longitudinal joint. In support of this thesis, the researchers have constructed a 37.5 by 37.5 foot slab, and carefully measured its properties over a year. This paper shows the benefits of using a 37.5-foot joint spacing, the history of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance, and the results of the slab properties measured.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AV070 Standing Committee on Aircraft/Airport Compatibility.

01618707

17-06055

English

13p

2017

Transportation Research Board 96th Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; Photos; References; Tables

Airport runways; Aluminous cement; Benefits; Longitudinal joints; Rigid pavements; Shrinkage; Slabs; Spacing; Wide body aircraft

Aviation; Design; Materials; Pavements; Terminals and Facilities

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2017 Paper #17-06055

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Dec 8 2016 12:27PM