About the project

In 2023, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) partnered with APTech as a subcontractor for the for the rehabilitation of the General Aviation (GA) apron, Taxiways P and Q, and associated connector taxiways at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BNIA). These pavements consist of a variety of concrete and asphalt cross sections with varying construction ages. Due to age and deterioration, the pavements required rehabilitation to maintain safe operations for the GA section of the airport.

This project included the preliminary and final pavement design. To begin, APTech reviewed the results of the planned geotechnical investigation and the existing pavement records. Next, the APTech team conducted nondestructive deflection testing using a falling weight deflectometer. The results provided a wealth of information about the load-carrying capabilities of the pavement, which APTech used in conjunction with the results of the records review to develop design alternatives. The design strategies were determined in accordance with FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5320-6G, Airport Pavement Design and Evaluation and using FAA’s FAARFIELD pavement design software. The results of the data review, analyses, and recommendations for the project were presented in a detailed pavement design report.

The pavement design alternatives developed for this project included reconstruction with a new concrete or asphalt pavement and rubblization of the taxiway pavements followed by an asphalt overlay. The reconstruction alternatives removed all older pavement materials that could negatively impact construction and performance due to continued deterioration. Reconstruction also allowed existing grades to be maintained, such as at hangar locations, and created improved support, especially in the apron areas. Rubblization allowed a significant portion of the taxiway to be reused, reducing the amount of material removal and new material construction. Project specifications were also developed for the included pavement materials.