About the Project

In advance of the 2028 Olympics, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is planning improvements for the North Airfield to enhance its airfield operational management and safety as part of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Airfield Improvement Program (AIP). These affected areas include the exits and runway keel section of Runway 6L-24R and Runway 6R-24L. As part of the selected design team, Applied Pavement Technology, Inc. (APTech), as a subcontractor to HNTB Corporation (HNTB), provided pavement design services to develop multiple rehabilitation and new construction alternatives for the taxiways, along with shoulder and blast pad pavements and erosion control areas. APTech also performed structural testing to assess the structural remaining life of the Runway 6L-24R pavements.

APTech reviewed available geotechnical testing results and aircraft traffic data for the anticipated project locations and developed pavement design alternatives in accordance with FAA Advisory Circular 150/5320-6G, Airport Pavement Design and Evaluation, and using FAA’s FAARFIELD pavement design software. Geotechnical testing indicated a wide range of subgrade support conditions across the project area. Additionally, traffic demands varied by taxiway, with the high-speed exits having arrival aircraft (lighter weights). The design team worked with LAWA to determine appropriate aircraft traffic mixes and anticipated growth rates for the associated runways and taxiways. Both 20-year and 40-year designs were assessed. Based on the varying field conditions and anticipated traffic, a matrix of pavement cross sections was determined, with advantages and disadvantages provided for each alternative. APTech also conducted falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing on Runway 6L-24R and analyzed the data to determine in place layer properties and to assess the structural remaining life using the FAA’s FAARFIELD software.

As part of this project, APTech offered customized solutions to fit LAWA’s needs. Pavement designs were selected to be cost-effective and meet traffic demands. APTech recommended concrete for the departure pavements (Runway 6R-24L and Taxiway E) and high-speed exit taxiways pavements (Taxiways W, V, U, and S), with the high-speed taxiway pavements being slightly thinner overall. Asphalt pavements were selected as more cost-effective alternatives in the non-traffic areas such as the shoulder, blast pad, and erosion control areas.

Based on the structural assessment of Runway 6L-24R, APTech determined that at least portions of the asphalt overlay would likely need to be replaced within about 5 years. The design team noted that unbonded areas determined through the evaluation are anticipated to show fatigue cracking from acting as thin layers under aircraft traffic loads, and APTech recommended they be removed and replaced. These improvements will enhance the safety of passengers and airport employees and ensure the airport will be able to handle the additional traffic anticipated for the Olympics.