Evaluation of Expedient Methods for Mitigating Dust on Helipads

摘要

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) was tasked by the Marine Corps Systems Command to develop two dust control systems, one for expeditionary use on Forward Area Refueling Points (FARPs) and one for sustainment use on roads and other large area applications. The project consisted of the evaluation of various dust palliatives and application equipment under controlled laboratory conditions and during field tests. The products of this effort include equipment recommendations, palliative recommendations and complete application guidance. This report addresses testing performed to evaluate commercial palliatives and palliative distribution systems for expeditionary use in constructing and maintaining FARP sites. Eighteen helipads were constructed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma using both experimental and commercial palliatives for dust abatement. The application methods were principally topical (spray-on) and expeditionary in nature. Each helipad was subjected to CH-46 rotary-wing aircraft traffic and selected helipads were subjected to CH-53 traffic. The helipads were evaluated based upon effectiveness in controlling dust durability foreign object damage (FOD) potential, and overall surface condition. Pertinent conclusions from the testing conducted are noted and recommendations for selecting dust abatement methods and materials are provided.