A TYPICAL DRAINAGE PROBLEM IN AN AIRPORT PAVEMENT

When water accumulates in the subgrade under the pavement faster than it is drained away, deterioration and failure may occur. When the water table is high just below the pavement, it drastically reduces the strength of the pavement and leads to failure. This paper illustrates the case study of a runway pavement failure caused by a high water table and outlines the remedial measures taken. The ground water table was only 0,2M below the asphaltic surface of the runway at its shallowest. The method of drainage by gravity by means of subsurface drains was recommended and is being implemented. (TRRL)