Framework for airfield pavements management—an approach based on cost-effectiveness analysis

Purpose and research question The agencies responsible to operate and maintain airfields in developing countries manage the airfield pavements on need to do/ reactive basis instead of resorting to performance based preventive maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) activity profiles. Extracting due cognizance from literature on internationally recognized airfield pavements management systems, this research article presents a framework of the step-wise procedure for airfield pavement management system. Methods M&R effectiveness is quantified based upon area bounded by the pavement performance curve and cost is the present worth of total cost incurred by the agency. The evaluation and prioritization of different alternatives is based on life cycle cost analysis and cost effectiveness index. The case study for an in-service airfield has also been presented to demonstrate the application of proposed methodology. Results The evaluated M&R alternatives for a given preservation scenario include: Joint Filling, Patching and 2” thick overlay; Milling and 2” thick AC overlay of mid-section (keel) section; Replacement with complete 4” thick AC Overlay; and Re-construction of complete airfield. The analysis results revealed that Mill and 2” thick AC overlay of mid-section was the most cost effective alternative entailing minimum cost while yielding maximum benefit pavement performance. Conclusions The developed pavement management process provides systematic and objective procedures for maintaining the inventory of pavement infrastructure, monitoring pavement performance, selecting optimal treatment and its application time. The proposed management system for the airfield pavements will not only prioritize the areas for repair/ maintenance but also give a cost-effective solution for enhancing the airfield pavement service life..