Evaluation of Harvey Aluminum 1- by 12-Ft Extruded Light-Duty Landing Mat with Symmetrical Butt-Type End Connectors

摘要

The investigation reported herein was conducted to evaluate an extruded aluminum alloy landing mat. The 1- by 12-ft mat is a one-piece hollow extrusion fabricated from 6063 aluminum alloy artificially aged to the T6 condition and weights 2.81 lb per square foot of placing area. The mat panels are interlocked along the sides by means of a hinge-type connector, the components of which are integral parts of the basic extrusion. End connectors, which are composed of 6061-T6 extruded aluminum connectors with integral inserts welded to the basic panel using the electron beam welding method, consist of symmetrical butt-type sections that are secured by a locking bar after individual panels have been joined together. The investigation consisted of laboratory, traffic, and skid tests to obtain information for use in evaluating Harvey mat for poetential use as a light-duty landing mat. (Author)