Case Study: Optimized Pavement Sections for the New Terminal at Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Abstract: The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) is enhancing the air travel experience in Columbus, Ohio with the New Midfield Terminal Program at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). This program will replace the existing terminal that has reached the end of its useful life with a new, state of the art terminal that will support the increasing needs of one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The new terminal will require several airside components, including a new terminal apron and taxiway modifications. A major challenge of this project was designing the terminal apron to support projected travel demand while maintaining a commitment to efficiency and sustainability.

An optimized pavement design approach that utilized a combination of flexible and rigid pavement structures based on pavement use and applicable fleet mix was used for this project. Three traffic mixes were developed for the new terminal apron: the current design traffic (ADG III), anticipated design traffic (ADG V), and ground service equipment traffic adjacent to the terminal building.

This paper will discuss the cost-effective design approach used to create the airfield pavement sections for the new terminal apron at CMH and the process of designing a geometric layout that maximizes airfield capacity and operational efficiency.