Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Concrete as Sustainable Paving Material for Airfields

Abstract

Sustainability at airports has received attention recently as owners have worked to incorporate sustainable practices into projects and daily operations. Several guides have been published by airport agencies to document sustainable practices. One potential practice involves alternative paving materials for airfield pavements. Specifically, fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete has shown promising results and has recently been used to resurface Runway 1–19 at the Jackson Hole Airport in Jackson, Wyoming. This paper explores the feasibility of using fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete as a sustainable paving strategy for airfields. The study includes an extensive literature review, performance testing of an asphalt mixture, cost analysis, a sustainable credit summary, and a carbon dioxide emission comparison. Laboratory testing showed that the Jackson Hole Airport mixture performed better than a control mixture produced in the laboratory with similar materials. Further analysis concluded that a fiber-reinforced, porous asphalt friction course could qualify for several sustainable site credits. In addition, the minimal upfront cost of fibers makes this product attractive because the cost can be recouped by an approximate 1-year extension in service life. Pavement design simulations indicated a reduction in equivalent carbon dioxide emissions through the extension of service life. Recommendations for the use of fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete on airfields are provided based on the findings of this study and future research is identified.