APTech has provided pavement management, evaluation, and design services to the Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD) for projects at Kansas City International Airport for more than 15 years. During our most contract, ongoing since 2020 as a subconsultant, APTech performed the 2021 and 2024 PMP updates, as well as airfield pavement evaluation and design projects for Runways 9-27 and 1L-19R and for Taxiways C and E. These services include PCI inspections, PAVER updates and analysis, FWD testing and analysis, PCN and PCR calculations.

PMP Update

In 2021, the KCAD partnered with the HNTB-APTech team to update to the airfield PMP. The project included over 23 million square feet of airfield pavement on runways, taxiways, and terminal apron pavements. The project also incorporated the overhaul base apron. APTech began this project by reviewing the construction records and updating the PAVER database and associated maps to reflect construction and rehabilitation work that had occurred since the previous update. APTech also led the pavement condition index (PCI) inspections, identified maintenance and rehabilitation needs, developed a recommended capital improvement plan (CIP), and documented the results and recommendations in a project report and corresponding executive summary. The HNTB-APTech team are currently conducting the 2024 PMP Update. In addition to the tasks completed during the 2021 Update, the APTech team is also determining Pavement Condition Ratings (PCR) for runway pavements to comply with the FAA requirements. 

Evaluation and Design Services

Based on needs identified in the PMP project, in 2022, APTech performed an evaluation and preliminary design for Runway 9-27. APTech began this project by performing falling-weight deflectometer (FWD) testing to conduct a structural analysis of the asphalt-surfaced pavement on the runway. APTech then developed a geotechnical testing plan based on initial review of the FWD data. APTech also assessed the PCN and PCR for this runway based on testing results and current traffic. The results of this analysis were used to develop a short- and long-term rehabilitation plan for this runway.

Also in 2022, APTech performed a structural analysis of the aging concrete pavement along Taxiway E, which was exhibiting durability cracking. APTech conducted FWD testing and provided an associated analysis while offering input into a geotechnical investigation. The results of this work led to pavement surface reconstruction recommendations.

In 2020, APTech performed pavement design services for the planned reconstruction of Runway 1L-19R, which serves as the airport’s primary runway. APTech began this project by reviewing available records, including data from a previously conducted preliminary evaluation. The APTech team then developed runway reconstruction design alternatives, performed a life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA), and created a detailed pavement design report. Following reconstruction of the runway, APTech also reviewed PCR calculations completed by HNTB.

In 2020, APTech also conducted an in-depth evaluation of Taxiway C (east of Runway 1R-19L) to develop a rehabilitation plan. This project involved reviewing design and construction plans, past pavement studies, and traffic details. APTech also performed FWD testing as part of the evaluation and developed pavement rehabilitation and reconstruction alternatives. The APTech team also created an LCCA of feasible alternatives to allow KCAD to determine the most cost-effective work approach. Following construction of a pavement overlay along a portion of Taxiway C, a B747 aircraft was improperly tugged across the pavement causing surface damage. To assess the extent of the surface damage, APTech partnered with TREKK, who took UAS-captured aerial images to better assess repair costs.

APTech’s work at KCI demonstrates our team’s ability to customize multiple projects to fit the unique needs of individual airports. This project also illustrates APTech’s experience with pavement management and evaluation projects within the FAA’s Central Region.