Evaluation of Pavement Surface Conditions for Luxor International Airport

Egypt has many airports which include millions of square meters of paved runways, taxiways and aprons. These pavements serve a great mix of different aircrafts. Aviation community has a large investment in airport pavements. The main purpose of airfield pavements is to carry aircraft loads conveniently, economically, and safely during its design life. In addition, good ride-quality which permit safe operation of aircraft under all weather conditions is essential for runway and taxiway pavements. Immediately upon completion of construction, airport pavements begin a gradual deterioration which is attributed to several factors. These factors include traffic loads, climate, and others causes due to faulty construction techniques. In addition, inferior materials properties and differential movement of the underlying layers can fasten pavement deterioration and effect pavement performance. Consequently, failure to perform routine maintenance during the early stages of deterioration may result in extensive repairs at a later date. The decision to conduct maintenance works depends mainly on the evaluation of the pavement surface conditions. Some pavement distresses as raveling and weathering could produce loose aggregate particles on the runway surface which cause a serious safety problem. This study aims to evaluate the condition of the pavement surface of Luxor International Airport, Egypt. Field inspection includes determination of the type, severity and extent of all surface distresses and defects. Distresses were observed, assessed and tabulated. The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) technique for airport pavement and contribution of the different distress types were calculated. The computer software Micro PAVER 5.2 was then used to analyse the collected data. The results show that the most effective distresses were depression, raveling and weathering, and longitudinal and transverse cracking.  Other less effective distresses affecting the studied features were bleeding and oil spillage. The results of this study emphasis the importance of conducting periodic evaluation of airfield pavement surface condition upon which a maintenance decision could be taken.