Introduction to Maintenance

Purpose and History of Program

Airport pavement infrastructure represents a large capital investment in the State of Alaska, whose major objective is to build and maintain safe, strong, smooth, and skid-resistant pavement surfaces for aircraft. As soon as construction is complete, pavements begin gradual deterioration due to surface weathering, fatigue, drainage, and differential movement of pavement layers. Faulty construction techniques, sub-standard materials, or poor workmanship can accelerate this deterioration process. Over time, pavements may also be subjected to loads much greater than those for which they were originally designed, or they may experience a considerable increase in aircraft traffic volume, both of which contribute to premature pavement deterioration.

Pavement condition is assessed using the PCI methodology as defined in the FAA Advisory Circular 150/5380-7B Airport Pavement Management Program (PMP) using the documented procedures set forth by ASTM D5340-20 Standard Test Method for Airport Pavement Condition Index Surveys. Pavement deterioration, in accordance with ASTM D5340-20, is characterized in terms of distinct distress types, severity level of distress, and quantity of distress. This information is utilized to calculate a PCI value that represents the overall condition of the pavement in a numeric index that ranges from 0 (a condition category of “Failed”) to 100 (“Good”). The PCI methodology analyzes an overall measure of the pavement condition and provides an indication of the degree of maintenance, repair, or rehabilitation efforts that will be required to sustain functional pavement.

Around the year 2000, Alaska DOT&PF implemented PCI inspections to understand the pavement conditions at public airports within the Alaska Aviation System (AAS), to systematically update pavement infrastructure information, and to assist airport operators with recommendations of pavement maintenance, repair, and major rehabilitation needs. Alaska DOT&PF selected the industry available non-proprietary software package known as PAVER (formerly MicroPAVER). The PAVER Pavement Management System (PMS) was developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Engineering Research Laboratory and was sponsored by the FAA, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy to meet the objectives of an effective pavement management system.

Pavement Management Program Implementation

The PMP addresses the requirements of maintaining an effective pavement management program for all participating airports. Network-level management of pavement assets provides insight into the overall condition of the network (current and future), short-term and long-term budget needs, and knowledge of the pavement assets that are under consideration for projects. A network-level evaluation can support the identification of maintenance, repair, and major rehabilitation needs and budgetary planning-level opinions of probable construction costs.

The key elements of an effective pavement management program include, but are not limited to:

• Establish a pavement inventory with pavement structure and pavement condition information
• Utilize an objective and repeatable process for evaluating PCI
• Capability to customize M&R policies and prioritization
• Capability to model both past and future pavement conditions
• M&R planning with ability to specify budget constraints or target PCI goals

Federal Aviation Administration Requirements

Airports participating in the AIP Grant Program are required by the FAA to develop and implement a PMP. FAA Advisory Circulars AC 150/5380-6C and AC 150/5380-7B provide technical guidance on PMP development, inspection protocols, and data reporting standards. To properly implement an airport PMP, Alaska DOT&PF conducts detailed inspections of airport pavement conditions using trained personnel. The FAA mandates annual inspections using the PASER method. However, if pavement evaluations are conducted using the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) survey procedure in accordance with ASTM D5340, the FAA permits an extended inspection interval of three years, recognizing the increased rigor and reliability of PCI-based assessments.

Airport Improvement Program

The Airport Improvement Program is a federal grant program administered by the FAA that provides funding to public-use airports for planning and capital improvements. AIP supports projects that enhance airport safety, capacity, security, and environmental sustainability. Eligible projects include runway and taxiway rehabilitation, lighting upgrades, drainage improvements, and pavement preservation efforts.

To qualify for AIP funding, airports must be included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) and comply with FAA program requirements. One key requirement is the development and implementation of a PMP, which ensures that pavement infrastructure is maintained in a cost-effective and performance-driven manner. PMP compliance is essential for continued eligibility and access to federal funding under AIP.