Impact of New Large Aircraft on Airport Flexible Pavements

Abstract

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of New Large Aircraft (NLA) on airport flexible pavement in terms of its expected impact on pavement life. The study is conducted using Hurghada Airport air fleet composition at four hypothetical annual departure levels, four standard subgrade strength categories, and introducing NLA at five different percentages. On the basis of the results of this research, it is concluded that, where an airport has a subgrade with CBR values higher than 6%, airport authority may permit the operation of A380 up to an additional 3% of the existing annual departures without losing more than 10 to 30 percent of pavement life. For airports with CBR values less than 6%, a significant reduction in pavement life as high as 40 to 90% should be anticipated in case of introducing the A380 at 3 percent share in the traffic mix or more. In case of subgrade strength CBR less than 6%, there is a high rate of pavement life reduction due to introduction of A380 up to 2% share in the traffic mix. However, there is a low rate of pavement life reduction due to introduction of A380 from 2% and up to 5% share in the traffic mix.

Keywords: Airports, New Large Aircraft, NLA, Flexible pavements, A380