Evaluation of Precast Panels for Airfield Pavement Repair. Phase 1: System Optimization and Test Section Construction.

摘要

During the period of March through November 2011, researchers of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) reviewed the use of precast concrete panels for pavement repair applications in the U.S. and around the world. Based on this review, an AFRL designed prototype system was selected for field investigation and was modified to allow for more efficient panel construction and installation for emergency and contingency portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement repairs. Seven precast concrete panels were fabricated for use in an airfield designed PCC test section. Three different prospective repair configurations were evaluated in a simulated airfield using the test panels. Work task items were timed during panel installation to aid in the evaluation of the repair technique effectiveness and to identify areas for optimization. Additional refinements to the system components and installation procedures were made following the field study. Results of this phase of the investigation were used to develop fabrication and installation procedures and to determine the supplies and equipment required to construct, stockpile, and install panels in the field. A listing of the expendable construction materials and equipment items required to assemble a deployable containerized kit capable of furnishing a minimum of 12 precast panels was generated.