Airport Pavements

As a premier transportation infrastructure firm, we specialize in delivering a comprehensive array of engineering services tailored to airport infrastructure needs.

Our Pavement Management Services (PMS) division is dedicated to conducting various geophysical and non-destructive investigations specifically designed for airfield pavements. Our goal is to furnish clients with a detailed overview of both the construction and current condition of their pavement assets.

Through state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies, we gather crucial data on pavement structure and integrity. This data forms the basis for rigorous engineering analyses and the production of insightful reports. These reports empower our clients to strategically prioritize repair efforts and proactively address asset deterioration with precision and efficiency.

Pavement Management Services boasts a diverse suite of capabilities, including Visual Pavement Condition Capture, Pavement Laser Data acquisition, Structural Assessments encompassing PCN and failure investigations, Pavement Structure Assessments, and Friction Surveys.

The benefits to the clients are:

• Input to risk management.

• Identify potential problems as early as possible.

• Proactive safety management.

• Load and usage planning and management.

• Comply with (changing) safety standards.

In 2019 the ICAO announced a proposed addendum to the ACN/PCN reporting system that includes a structural rating methodology based on mechanistic principals in efforts to align the rating system with the current design procedures rather than archaic empirical methodologies and increase in aircraft weights and tyre pressures. The new reporting system – termed Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), is further endorsed by CASA planned to be introduced before November 2024.

So what does this mean for you?

In some cases, the PCR will be transition based on the fleet mix and adopted from calculated ACR (critical aircraft). For aerodromes that cannot determine the basis of their current PCN, the transition will require professional assistance – typically involving pavement investigations and engineering. PMS’ solution adopts ‘state of the practice’ methodologies using invasive and non-destructive testing to analyse the pavement and subgrade material properties (now classified according to modulus rather than CBR), to form an understanding of the engineering properties that cannot be determined from visual or geotechnical testing alone. Employing our strategy to a pavement strength assessment is at the fore front of pavement engineering including pavement strength ratings, works programming, rehabilitations and treatment designs.

We tailor our service to your requirements, selecting from any or all of the following:

ACN / PCN (ACR/PCR) Assessments
Falling and Heavy Weight Deflectometer Surveys
Back analysis of deflection bowl data
Layer Moduli and Estimated Subgrade CBR
Residual life of airfield pavement
Increased load capacity (assessment)
Maintenance design strategies
Pavement designs
Slab Load Transfer Efficiency (LTE) and corner void assessments
Video logging and data display solutions
Airports Asset Management implementation

Visual assessment, including Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and Structural Condition Index (SCI)

Asset inventory, to sub-metre accuracy
Geometric Surveys (curve, grade, crossfall)
Longitudinal pavement profile assessments, including BBI and profiling requirements for compliance
Surface Texture Depth for compliance
Ground Penetrating Radar and structural
GPR – Potential voids and moisture analysis
Pavement friction assessments (grip tester)
In situ / DCP testing, boreholes and core holes