Design of precast concrete pavement units for rapid maintenance of runways

This paper considers the use of precast cement concrete pavement units (PCPUs) as surfacing for runways in relation to slabs which have concrete to be saw cut, broken out and-replaced with nondowelled, replaceable PCPUs and accept immediate overrunning by any type of aircraft in service. The finite-element analysis of the proposed replaced area shows that a considerable increase in aircraft numbers and loading can be sustained. The limiting design factors are the strengths of the subbase and the subgrade and means of overcoming these limitations are described. The development of this fast-track, rapid, runway repair technique for civilian as well as military airports is encouraged. (C) 1997 Civil-Comp Ltd and Elsevier Science Ltd.