Recommendations for Fast-track Repairs of Airport Concrete Pavement

Abstract: This paper summarizes some of the key findings of the FAA funded study ACPTP 2021-3 Best Practices for Rapid Repair, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction of Concrete Airport Pavements. The factors to be considered when airports select fast-track repairs as opposed to traditional repairs will be discussed, including case studies from major airports who recently performed rapid concrete pavement repairs. The paper will focus on three types of fast-tracked isolated slab replacement techniques, namely repairs that utilize high early strength (HES) concrete with high cement contents, very high early strength (VHES) concrete with calcium sulfo-aluminate cement (CSA), and precast slabs. Many of the planning, preparation, design, and demolition procedures for these three techniques are similar. The rapid curing times of HES and VHES concrete repairs require careful planning of logistics and finishing operations. Proposed recommendations for updating FAA AC 150/5370-10H Standard Specifications for Construction of Airports will be discussed, specifically those pertaining to Item P-501 Cement Concrete Pavement. Recommended changes to the standard parameters required in the FAA pavement design software, FAARFIELD, will also be covered. A goal of this study is to provide guidance to engineers and stakeholders for designing and constructing fast-track repairs without the need to file a modification of standards (MOS).