Aircraft pavements comprise the critical and diverse infrastructure required for the movement of aircraft, passengers, air force personnel, luggage and freight. These structures include runways, taxiways and apron pavements.
Compared to civilian footpaths and roads, which average 250 millimetres thick, aircraft pavements are approximately twice that thickness, and beyond.
Aircraft pavements must be built with high-quality materials and constructed in a highly precise manner to ensure safe, serviceable environments. Sustainable material selection is also important, to reduce embedded concrete, and increase opportunities for carbon sequestration.
Aircraft pavements can be rigid in structure – utilising concrete, flexible – using asphalt granular or gravel, or composite – a combination of asphalt and concrete. The type of pavement reflects the manner of aircraft that will use it, and which tasks they will complete.
Safety is paramount given the speed at which aircraft take off and land. Airport pavements must be graded and levelled according to exacting standards, and meet rigorous safety regulations.
The Aurecon Aircraft Pavement Design and Rehabilitation team delivers:
- Pavement thickness design
- Structural analysis
- Material specification
- Pavement rehabilitation
- Maintenance planning
- Lifecycle assessments and sustainability planning
- Airfield pavement inspection and reporting
Resilient, long-term solutions
Aurecon works closely with airport owners to plan, design, and build resilient, sustainable infrastructure. This is particularly important for aircraft pavements, which can accommodate very narrow maintenance windows, and are expected to remain operational for decades.
Our Aviation team comprises civil and structural engineering specialists who understand the material characteristics and requirements for aircraft pavements. We consider the latest innovations and technologies and design solutions that incur a minimal carbon footprint.
To discuss airport pavement design and rehabilitation, contact Aviation Director – Airfields Matt Glenn.