Impact of New-Generation Aircraft at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

摘要

Rising and turbulent fuel costs have airlines challenged to meet the needs of future air travel. Recognizing this, aircraft designers/manufacturers have developed larger aircraft capable of flying greater distances, carrying more passengers and subsequently burning less fuel (per passenger). As the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport must be capable of evaluating each airlines needs to integrate new aircraft into their fleets, and the impact of doing so as it relates to operations and the structural performance of the airport's pavement network.The airport consists of over 42 million square feet of airside concrete pavement, ranging from 16 to 22 inches in concrete thickness. As part of the Pavement Management Program, a large historical database has been developed and maintained since 1984. Part of this database contains structural response data from falling/heavy weight deflection testing, as well as layer thickness data. This information is crucial for evaluating the impact of new aircraft added to the fleet.An evaluation of the structural impact on the existing pavement structures at the airport using the most recently collected (Summer-2007) structural response data is presented. Aircraft evaluated include the Boeing 787 and 777 as well as the Airbus A380, and results indicate areas which represent the highest risk of structural deterioration. Operational limitations are also examined, showing where pavement width, turning radius and gate capacity issues would limit the maneuverability of these aircraft.