Berm Type Armor Protection for a Runway Extension at Unalaska, Alaska

by Charles I. Rauw, Winzler & Kelly, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Berm Breakwaters: Unconventional Rubble-Mound Breakwaters

Abstract:

A proposed runway extension located on the Aleutian islands was designed to withstand forces of Bering Sea storm generated waves using a unique armor protection concept. The proposed runway was to extend 2,600 feet seaward into the Bering Sea with water depths approaching 60 feet. The design storm had a significant wave height of approximately 30 feet at the head of the structure. A unique armor design employing the concept of a rock berm which would allow utilization of 100 percent of quarry production in constructing the runway extension and armor protection is described. The berm concept of armor protection has since been applied to other rubble mound structures, including breakwaters and seawalls. These applications have resulted in lower construction bids, compared to conventional armpor protection schemes. A brief historial perspective is presented as well as a discussion of advantages and disadvantages of the berm concept over conventional armor layer designs.

Subject Headings: Airport and airfield pavements | Armor units | Berms | Coastal protection structures | Water waves | Storms | Breakwaters | Alaska | United States | Bering Sea

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