ABSTRACT
Aircraft are evolving to place more demands on runway strength and geometry. It follows that existing runways require both strengthening and widening. However, airports are also becoming busier, meaning ever-reducing windows for affecting maintenance and upgrade works for runways. Expedient upgrade technologies are becoming increasingly important. There are a number of expedient pavement upgrade technologies suitable for runway strengthening and widening. These include foamed bitumen stabilization, deep lift (warm mix) asphalt and rapid setting concrete. All have been used in Australia with varying degrees of success. This paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of expedient runway upgrade methods used by various Australian airports. A number of examples are presented and risks are assessed. It is concluded that the different technologies are more or less suited to different project circumstances.
