Comparison between ACN–PCN and ACR–PCR for rigid airport pavement with case study

Abstract

This technical note analyses the new Aircraft Classification Rating–Pavement Classification Rating (ACR–PCR) system with a case study. The literatures and case studies showed that anomalies exist between results of pavement structural evaluation of rigid airport pavements using the pavement thickness design (PTD) method and the Aircraft Classification Number–Pavement Classification Number (ACN–PCN) method. In some situations, the ACN–PCN system provides a conservative assessment of pavement damage which will likely overestimate the load impact of aircraft with complex gear configuration. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) introduced a new system, the ACR-PCR, which applies layered elastic analysis to estimate pavement bearing capacity. Using a case study from an airport in Southeast Asia, the anomalies between the designed pavement bearing strength of the PTD method and the ACN–PCN method were discussed. The ACR–PCR system can provide pavement structural evaluation results that are consistent with the PTD results.