Article
Use of Fiber Reinforced Asphalt Concrete as a Sustainable Paving Material for Airfields
Transportation Research Board 91st Annual MeetingTransportation Research Board
(2012)
Abstract
Sustainability at airports has received much attention recently as owners work to incorporate sustainable practices into projects and daily operations. In fact, several guides have been published by airport agencies in order to document sustainable practices. One potential sustainable practice involves the use of alternate paving materials for airfield pavements. Specifically, the use of fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete (FRAC) has shown promising results and has most recently been used to resurface Runway 1-19 at the Jackson Hole Airport in Jackson, Wyoming. This paper explores the feasibility of using fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete as a sustainable paving strategy for airfields. The study included an extensive literature review, performance testing of an asphalt mixture, cost-analysis, sustainable credit summary and carbon dioxide emission comparison. Laboratory testing showed that the Jackson Hole Airport mixture performed better than a control mixture produced in the laboratory using similar materials. Further analysis concluded that a fiber-reinforced, porous asphalt friction course can qualify for several sustainable site credits. In addition, the minimal upfront cost of fibers makes this product attractive as the cost can be recouped by approximately a one-year extension in service life. The pavement design simulations performed indicated a reduction in equivalent CO2 emissions through extension of service life. Recommendations for the use of FRAC on airfields are provided based on the findings of this study and future research is identified.
Keywords
- Asphalt,
- Concrete,
- Pavement
Disciplines
Publication Date
January 1, 2012
Citation Information
Jeffrey J Stempihar, Mena I Souliman and Kamil E Kaloush. "Use of Fiber Reinforced Asphalt Concrete as a Sustainable Paving Material for Airfields" Transportation Research Board 91st Annual MeetingTransportation Research Board (2012) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mena-souliman/43/