www.acpa.org Quarter 1, 2022 7 RUNWAY CONSTRUCTION AT ANY AIRPORT COMES WITH A SET OF CHALLENGES not commonly found on other construction projects. Because runway reconstructionmeans shutting down part of or all of an airport, strict schedules are set. And because of security concerns, entry into some areas require strict protocols that may include access and background checks for workers. When the runway serves a busy military installation, the need to limit closure time and ensure security is heightened. The runway at Pope Army Airfield (AAF) was originally built in 1942 and has undergone many repairs and improvements over the years, said Marcia Meekins, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Fort Bragg Area Engineer. “The airfield supports Fort Bragg, which results in a high volume of military air traffic.” The $81 million project included a 9,500-footlong runway and nine taxiways, along with a lighting system upgrade, constructed between June 15 and October 13, 2021. The runway replaced was a composite of 60% asphalt and 40% concrete due to an asphalt overlay that was placed 15 years ago. The last milling and overlay occurred in 2010 and required a 90-day full closure, and the runway was scheduled for another milling and overlay in the next two to five years, said Jim Blevins, Pope AAF Airfield Manager. Opting to add 30 extra days to closure time and choose a full-depth concrete reconstruction provided a number of benefits to the airfield in addition to a new runway with a lifespan of 50 years. “We were able to upgrade the lighting system, which was as old as the original concrete runway, and concrete won’t require the same level of maintenance.” The new runway is entirely concrete. The first 2,000 ft. at each end of the runway is 17 in. concrete pavement, and the center section is 15 in. concrete pavement. Under the pavement, there is a six-inch stabilized drainage layer on top of a geotextile separation fabric and a 12 in. cement-treated subgrade. Pope Army Air field Runway Reconstructed in 120 Days Collaborative partnership and on-site storage ensure success By Sheryl S. Jackson continues on page 8 »
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