Membrane Encapsulated Soil Layer (MESL) for Contingency airfields.
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate thickness requirements for membrane encapsulated soil layers (MESL) having various surfacing materials when subjected to 100 passes of F-4C aircraft loading and to determine the feasibility of constructing thin layers (5 to 9 inches) of MESL on low strength subgrade. A test section consisting of five items was constructed and trafficked. All five items were constructed on a prepared subgrade having a rated California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of 7. Thicknesses of MESL base courses were 9, 5, 7, 9, and 9 inches for items 1 through 5, respectively. Surfacing material consisted of 4 inches of asphaltic concrete on items 1 and 2, 2 inches of asphaltic concrete on item 3, only the waterproof surfacing of the MESL on item 4, a synthetic turf on item 4A, and a 1-1/2-inch-thick sod on item 5. The significant findings of this study are that (1) thin MESL base courses can be constructed over a 7 CBR subgrade; (2) a MESL with only the waterproof surface will structurally withstand 10 coverages of F-4C traffic but may be rendered susceptible to water due to wrinkling of the waterproof surfacing under traffic; (3) a MESL is susceptible to infiltration of water when overlaid with a layer of wet material such as sod; and (4) a MESL base course 7 inches thick with a 2-inch surfacing of asphalt concrete constructed on a 7 CBR subgrade will withstand 14 coverages (approximately 140 passes) of F-4C traffic. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA047004
Entities
People
- A. L. Sullivan Iii
- C. L. Rone