Parameters of Rational Airfield Pavement Design System

In recent years the complexity of the airfield pavement systems and its environment has resulted in continued efforts to upgrade design and evaluation methods. To help meet the recognized need for more efficient and comprehensive management of airfield pavement design, an airfield pavement system model, which is presented herein, has been developed. The airfield pavement system model incorporates more detail, expands certain aspects of the system, and includes concepts relating specifically to airfield pavements. In addition, this paper includes recommendations regarding parameters which should be considered immediately in any operational system in order that a significant beginning can be made toward establishing a truly useful airfield pavement system. A conceptual systems model which is also presented is the basis for subsequent work and will be helpful in developing a true working systems model. An attempt is made to relate the input variables with current state-of-art instrumentation in order to measure pavement response.