The International Pavement Research Foundation (IPRF) supported applied research and technology transfer related to concrete airfield pavements, working in collaboration with airports, federal agencies, and industry partners.
Between 2001 and 2006, IPRF sponsored a series of research projects addressing pavement design, materials performance, durability, construction practices, and maintenance of airport pavements. Many of these studies informed industry guidance and agency practices.
The organization was later renamed the ACPA Foundation, which now supports education, workforce development, and research initiatives for the concrete pavement industry.
The historic IPRF research program is maintained here as a public archive of completed studies and related technical resources.
Questions about these reports or the archive may be directed to:
Harold Honey – hhoney@acpa.org
2006 Projects
Project 06-01 – Using Design-Build Acquisition for Concrete Airfield Pavements
Evaluated the use of design-build procurement methods for airport pavement construction. The research developed screening tools, procurement guidance, and best practices to help airport owners determine when design-build delivery is appropriate for concrete airfield pavement projects.
Project 06-02 – Concrete Mixes Using Fly Ash
Investigated the performance of airfield concrete mixtures incorporating fly ash as a supplementary cementitious material. The project developed optimized mix designs and guidance to improve durability and sustainability of airport pavement concrete.
Project 06-03 – Evaluation of Design Parameters for Rigid Overlays
Evaluated structural design parameters used for rigid concrete overlays on existing airport pavements. The research examined pavement behavior and structural performance to refine overlay design procedures for airfield pavement rehabilitation.
Project 06-05 – Dirty Aggregates and Deicer Durability Effects
Investigated how aggregates containing clay or deleterious materials influence concrete durability when exposed to airfield deicing chemicals. The project evaluated deterioration mechanisms and developed recommendations to mitigate durability problems.
Project 06-06 – Materials-Related Distress and Pavement Life
Examined material-related distress mechanisms affecting the long-term performance of concrete airfield pavements. The research evaluated field pavements and laboratory testing to identify causes of deterioration and improve predictions of pavement service life.
2005 Projects
Project 05-01 – Airfield Pavement Marking Handbook
Developed technical guidance for designing and maintaining durable pavement markings on airport surfaces. The project produced a handbook and training materials to assist airport operators in maintaining safe and visible airfield markings.
Project 05-02 – Joint Load Transfer Efficiency
Evaluated dowel bars and joint load transfer performance in concrete airfield pavements under heavy aircraft loading. The research investigated dowel alignment and joint behavior to improve pavement design and construction practices.
Project 05-03 – Highway Materials for Airfield Pavements
Investigated whether materials commonly used in highway concrete pavements could be effectively applied to airport pavements. The project evaluated material performance and provided recommendations for adapting highway specifications.
Project 05-07 – Concrete Performance in Presence of Deicers
Investigated deterioration mechanisms in concrete airfield pavements exposed to deicing chemicals. Field and laboratory studies evaluated material properties and environmental conditions influencing pavement distress.
Project 05-10 – LithMelt Deicer Performance
Evaluated laboratory and field performance of LithMelt deicing products and their effects on concrete pavement durability. The study examined chemical interactions between deicing compounds and concrete materials used in airport pavements.
2004 Projects
Project 04-01 – Construction Specification for Concrete Airfield Pavement
Developed recommended construction specifications for portland cement concrete airfield pavements. The research evaluated construction practices, materials, and quality control procedures to improve consistency and long-term pavement performance.
Project 04-02 – Improved Overlay Design Parameters
Investigated structural performance of concrete overlays used to rehabilitate existing airfield pavements. The research evaluated pavement behavior and produced improved design guidance.
Project 04-06 – Lithium Admixtures and Early Age Concrete Properties
Evaluated lithium admixtures used to mitigate alkali-silica reaction in concrete pavements. The research examined effects on early-age concrete properties and long-term durability.
Project 04-08 – ASR Mitigation Studies
Investigated mitigation strategies for alkali-silica reaction in concrete airfield pavements. Laboratory and field studies evaluated materials, testing procedures, and treatment approaches.
2003 Projects
Project 03-01 – In-Pavement Lighting Construction
Developed best practices for installing in-pavement lighting systems in concrete airfield pavements to improve reliability and durability.
Project 03-02 – ASR Mitigation Combined Testing
Evaluated testing procedures for identifying and mitigating alkali-silica reaction in concrete materials used in airport pavements.
Project 03-03 – Concrete Pavement for De-icing Facilities
Investigated design and construction considerations for pavements used in aircraft deicing facilities exposed to concentrated deicing chemicals.
Project 03-04 – Precision Statement for ASTM C-78
Developed a precision statement for ASTM C-78 flexural strength testing to improve consistency and reliability of laboratory test results.
Project 03-05 – Recycling Concrete Pavement as Subbase
Evaluated techniques for recycling existing concrete pavement materials for use as subbase layers in new airfield pavements.
Project 03-06 – Maturity Testing for Airfield Pavement
Investigated the use of maturity testing to estimate in-place concrete strength during construction and repair of airport pavements.
Project 03-09 – ASR Acceleration with Deicers
Examined whether exposure to airport deicing chemicals accelerates alkali-silica reaction in concrete pavements.
Project 03-10 – Lithium Treatment Field Studies
Evaluated lithium-based treatments for mitigating alkali-silica reaction in existing airfield pavements.
2002 Projects
Project 02-01 – Stabilized and Drainable Bases
Developed design guidance for stabilized and drainable base layers used beneath concrete airfield pavements.
Project 02-02 – Acceptance Criteria using Seismic & Maturity Testing
Evaluated innovative testing methods for acceptance of concrete airfield pavements including seismic and maturity-based testing technologies.
Project 02-03 – Accelerated Airfield Pavement Construction
Investigated planning and construction techniques enabling accelerated rehabilitation of airport pavements while minimizing airport closures.
Project 02-04 – Pavement Smoothness Criteria
Developed guidance and measurement procedures for evaluating and controlling airfield pavement smoothness.
Project 02-05 – Alkali Silica Reactivity Evaluation
Investigated testing methods for evaluating alkali-silica reactivity in aggregates used in concrete pavements.
2001 Projects
Project 01-01 – Airport PCC Construction Best Practices
Developed best practices guidance for construction of portland cement concrete airport pavements including materials, construction techniques, and quality control practices.
Project 01-02 – Overlay Design Parameters
Investigated structural performance of concrete overlays used to rehabilitate existing airport pavements.
Project 01-03 – Rehabilitation for Light-Load Aircraft
Evaluated rehabilitation techniques for pavements serving aircraft under 30,000 pounds.
Project 01-04 – Maturity Strength Testing
Investigated the use of maturity testing to estimate in-place concrete strength during airfield pavement construction.
Project 01-04.1 – Plastic Sleeve Dowel Bars
Investigated the performance of plastic-sleeved dowel bars used in concrete pavement joints.
Project 01-04.2 – Aggregate Clay Coating Effects
Examined how clay coatings on aggregates influence concrete performance and durability.