A Concrete Alternative to Runway Reconstruction

Drinkard, James L.; ,

A Concrete Alternative to Runway Reconstruction

by James L. Drinkard, Howard Needles Tammen &, Bergendoff, Atlanta, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Aircraft/Pavement Interaction: An Integrated System

Abstract:

Faced with the prospects of losing commercial air service for up to two months, the Charleston County Aviation Authority, the Charleston Air Force Base and their engineers had to look beyond traditional construction techniques and materials to accomplish critical runway repairs at the Charleston International Airport, a joint use facility. With a desire to use concrete because of its durability, the airport's operators authorized its engineers to investigate and propose solutions using new cement technology such that repairs could be made and the runway reopened to traffic within several hours. A number of logistical problems were solved and a functional scheme using new cement materials was proposed after continuous designer and contractor input. This paper details the pavement design, the characteristics of the new cement technology, and the construction methods utilized in successfully completing the 67 day replacement of a complete runway intersection while maintaining daytime aircraft operations. Also illustrated is the relative economy in using high tech products and fast track construction when compared to facility shutdown, and the advantage of designer/contractor interaction during the design of a fast track project.

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