Full-Depth Reclamation Expedient Process Development for Austere Locations

Abstract: Full-depth reclamation (FDR) is a rehabilitation approach that can be readily applied to rapidly restore the structural capacity of heavily distressed or structurally deficient airfield asphalt pavements. While FDR can be an effective pavement rehabilitation technique, the equipment set required can exhibit a large logistical footprint. In austere locations, the minimum required equipment set to perform FDR activities is likely preferred in order to reduce shipping costs and timeline. Required construction time can also be a major consideration to ensure airfield facilities are returned to service as quickly as possible. In order to investigate these two critical factors, typical productivity rates of five reclaimers were evaluated during full-scale experiments on two pavement sites with properties similar to those encountered in an austere environment. A preliminary reconstruction process and a spreadsheet-based calculator were developed to estimate construction times for the FDR technique with equipment quantity and production rates as primary inputs. Examples of pavement reconstruction scenarios were generated to illustrate the FDR process as well as to identify an approach with optimized construction times. The information aims to assist in the planning of FDR operations where equipment logistical burden and construction time must be balanced in order to meet project needs.