Sub-Consultants: Sigma Associates, Inc. Applied Pavement Technology, Inc. K.J. Law Engineers, Inc.
NTH Project Budget: $203,000
Start Date: August 2000
Completion Date: 2002
Willow Run Airport Pavement Condition Study
The Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan was once the manufacturing center for the B-24 Bomber. Currently this 60-year old facility is a major hub for air cargo in Southeast Michigan. The Program Managers Team, L.L.C. retained NTH Consultants to implement a Pavement Management System (PaMS) for 6 runways and 10 taxiways, totaling 4 million and 3 million square feet of pavement, respectively.
Project Approach Following PCI methodology, we:
Developed a baseline inventory and condition assessment, utilizing an existing map, CAD, and digital aerial photography
Divided pavement components into a series of distinct branches and sections, developing an inventory of each
Performed visual surveys in accordance with the Standard Test Method for Airport Pavement Condition Index Survey, compatible with the PAVER software program
Developed a quality assurance verification program to review data
Reviewed agency records for traffic data, maintenance history, construction cost data and other pavement elements
Used a Differential GPS Data Collector for on-site referencing of field test locations, incorporating data from this system into the GIS dataset
NTH coordinated non-destructive testing of the facility’s 5 active runways and 10 taxiways
Project Results NTH utilized the PAVER software program to:
Evaluate the current condition of each pavement section
Estimate future performance characteristics
Develop prioritized maintenance and repair strategies
Develop a multi-year, network-wide pavement maintenance work plan, with prioritized maintenance and repair strategies
