GPR, FWD analyze airfield pavements in South Carolina

The condition and capacity of pavements at 23 airfields in South Carolina have recently been evaluated in a project by the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. The project sought to evaluate the weight bearing strength and Pavement Classification Number (PCN) on all runways,taxiways, aprons and ramps for each of the airfields. The PCN incorporates load capacity, pavement type, substructure strength, maximum tire pressure capacity and method of evaluation. The use of falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing is incorporated, as well as, more recently, ground penetrating radar (GPR). GPR has been utilized to supplement coring, mitigate normal airport operations disruptions, and provide more comprehensive pavement structure information.