FEASIBILITY STUDY OF ON-SITE FABRICATED HELICOPTER PADS
Abstract
The on-site fabrication of helicopter pads using plastic resins and other lightweight materials was investigated. It was assumed that rapid curing materials could be sprayed or poured over soil, resulting in a surfacing of sufficient strength to allow the operation of helicopters on low California Bearing Ratio (CBR) soils. Materials were sought which had desirable characteristics such as rapid curing under wide temperature and moisture conditions, low cost, low toxicity, high strength-to-weight ratio, easy application, and extended storage life. Forty-three materials were evaluated. Materials which did not cure within a prescribed 3-hour limit were eliminated from further structural testing. Twenty materials were subjected to small-scale structural testing. Of these materials, three polyester resins, one epoxy resin, and one polyurethane foam exhibited the highest strength characteristics. Static wheel-load tests of 14,000 pounds and 80 psi tire pressure were performed, simulating the CH-37C marine helicopter wheel loading. (a) All polyester reinforced with 17 to 35 percent chopped fiberglass withstood the 14, 000 pound wheel load. (b) One epoxy specimen reinforced with 32 percent chopped fiberglass withstood a 14,000 pound wheel load. (c) One polyurethane foam specimen with an 18 pound per cubic foot density and an average thickness of 1 inch failed at a 3700 pound wheel loading.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0623953
Entities
Organizations
- Boeing Rotorcraft Systems