Rapid Runway Cutting with Shaped Charges
Abstract
Research has shown that removal of large, partially damaged, concrete runway slabs is a major repair operation. A rapid to perform a runway repair operation. A rapid method for cleanly cutting away damaged sections would significantly reduce overall repair time. Shaped charges are potentially just such a rapid runway cutting technique. This paper presents the results of field tests designed to evaluate the runway cutting abilities of standard and linear shaped charges. A series of 25 runway cutting tests was conducted on the 1-ft- thick (4 in of asphalt + 8 in of concrete) undamaged taxiway segments constructed for a recent Air Force test program at the White Sands Missile Range. Although TOW warhead charges successfully penetrated well into the subgrade, no cracks were observed between holes, even at the closest charge spacing. Arrays of linear shaped charges were successfully fired to produce a relatively smooth, uniform cut through the concrete. It was found that inexpensive, homemade linear charges gave results comparable to commercially manufactured charges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP001712
Entities
People
- Charles E. Joachim