Extending Airfield Asphalt Pavement Serviceability: P-608 (Heavy) For Non-Structural Rehabilitation

Abstract: Preservation of our Nation’s extensive airport asphalt pavement by “saving the surface” to “save the pavement” has proven to be significantly more cost effective than costly corrective/reactive maintenance, typical rehabilitation methods, and reconstruction. Based on the use of P-608-compliant Pavement Preservation & Maintenance Seal Coats and past presented review of numerous APMS programs and datasets providing evidence confirming P-608 effectiveness, the FAA, State DOT Aviation Departments, and the airports’ owners have saved hundreds of millions of dollars a year in additional maintenance and replacement.

This presentation provides a review of the use of a P608 (Heavy) application for non-structural rehabilitation. The presentation will include a brief background of the practice and effectiveness of P-608 seals; review of several runway non-structural rehabilitation projects where P-608 (Heavy) treatments were selected in lieu of thin overlays, mill and fill, or other methods, and show examples of inclusion into State DOT Aero’s APMS programs; and review of projects where heavier P-608 applications were selected to correct numerous existing problems on airfield pavements, extending pavement serviceability and delaying or removing the need for reconstruction.

Presentation concludes that P-608 (heavier) treatments, in particular circumstances, can be used in lieu of thin overlays, mill and fill, and other methods which are typically considered for non-structural rehabilitation, have demonstrated the ability to extend serviceability and useful life, correct numerous existing problems on airfield pavements, and do it safely and relatively inexpensively. Gilsonite-modified seal coats and surface treatments provide sustainability and resilience, extend serviceability, and maintain airfield safety.