Review of Rigid Aircraft Pavement Joint Types, Effectiveness, Distress, Maintenance, and Analysis
Sean Jamieson, Greg White
Abstract
Rigid aircraft pavements generally comprise concrete slabs constructed on a bound or granular sub-base layer, over the natural or constructed subgrade or fill. The joints between the slabs induce and control shrinkage cracks during concrete curing, allow for thermal expansion and contraction, provide load transfer between adjacent paving lanes, and isolate slabs from structural penetrations and adjacent pavement sections. Joint performance is critically important to rigid aircraft pavement performance, and multiple joint solutions are available to pavement designers. This research reviewed common joint types, distresses, and maintenance through analysis of United States, United Kingdom, and Australian aircraft pavement practice, and determined that different authorities use different joint types for similar applications. Alternate jointing methods used on non-aircraft rigid pavements were also investigated, and these could improve constructability and performance for aircraft pavements. It is recommended that further research uses finite element modeling to assess any new jointing practice, prior to field validation.