Airport Pavement Test Machine Design and Cost Study
Abstract
A design study was conducted to determine the feasibility of constructing and operating a test machine for performing accelerated airport pavement tests. The proposed design for the test machine satisfies the requirements of a comprehensive set of specifications formulated and developed by a government/industry working group. The primary purpose of the tests to be conducted with the test machine is to provide pavement response and performance data to be used in the development of new procedures for designing pavements for the next generation of large civil transport aircraft. The proposed test machine design allows for test pavements 60 feet wide by 900 feet long. Maximum load capacity is twelve wheels operating at 75,000 pounds each, for a maximum applied load of 900,000 pounds. Test speeds are 5 mph for normal testing and a maximum of 15 mph for special studies. Cost estimates were made for designing, constructing, and operating the test machine. The total initial cost required to design and construct the machine was estimated to be $15,000,000. Maximum annual operating costs after commissioning were estimated to be $2,300,000. Test pavement reconstruction accounts for $1,500,000 (65 percent) of the estimated annual operating cost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA276477
Entities
People
- Edward H. Guo
- Gordon F. Hayhoe
- Roy D. Mcqueen