Recommended Design for Rigid-Flexible Airfield Pavement Junctures.

A study was conducted on the performance of junctures between rigid and flexible airfield pavements constructed using present criteria. The study consisted of field inspections of 14 rigid-flexible pavement junctures at Williams AFB, Arizona, and Columbus AFB, Mississippi, and discussions of the performance of these junctures with Base Civil Engineering Office personnel. Of the 14 junctures studied, 4 have been repaired and are now in good condition, 1 is in good to fair condition, 1 is in only poor to fair condition, and 8 are in good condition. Although the junctures have performed generally well, the asphaltic concrete pavement portions have experienced some minor problems (namely, humping, transverse cracking, and surface depressions). From the problems associated with the junctures studied, it is recommended that the present design be revised slightly. A recommended revision of the design of rigid-flexible airfield pavement junctures is described. The revision involves use of expansion joints, increased thickness of the asphaltic concrete, and special rolling procedures for the asphaltic concrete binder and surface courses.