Since 2005, APTech has been on a short list of on-call consultants providing management services to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). Over that time, APTech has updated the pavement management systems at:

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in 2012, 2014, and 2016

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in 2007, 2010, and 2014

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in 2007, 2010, 2019, 2021, and 2022

Stewart International Airport (SWF) in 2013, 2019, 2021, and 2022

Teterboro Airport (TEB) in 2005, 2006, and 2010

The updates at JFK, EWR, SWF, and LGA included both the airside and landside pavement systems, while only the airside pavements were inspected at TEB. APTech has also performed similar services for other PANYNJ facilities, such as the Lincoln Tunnel, the Holland Tunnel, and the George Washington Bridge pavement complexes, along with pavement management system (PMS) updates in 2020 and 2021 for Bayonne and Goethals Bridge, and Outerbridge Crossing. In 2021, APTech updated the pavement management systems for Port Jersey and Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminals.

For each project, APTech conducted a records review and used automated data collection equipment to collect pavement surface condition, transverse and longitudinal profile, rutting data, and right-of-way imaging. We performed shoulder and erosion pavement evaluations, as well as skid testing on select airside and landside pavements. In addition, APTech updated PANYNJ’s PAVER database with inventory changes, recent construction details, and pavement condition data to develop pavement condition index ratings for each pavement section.

Detailed distress maps were generated using data collected from EDGE, APTech’s automated data collection vehicle on select pavements at JFK and Lincoln Tunnel. APTech also developed pavement performance models to predict the PCI of each pavement section over the next 7 years and to determine when each pavement section drops below Authority-established trigger values. Maintenance and rehabilitation plans were developed to highlight the pavement rehabilitation needs and project activities, results, and recommendations were summarized into a project report. Finally, APTech provided training to PANYNJ staff on pavement management concepts, pavement distress types and causes, and use of PAVER software.

PANYNJ uses the information from the pavement management projects to manage its vast pavement system at all of its facilities, including airports, marine terminals, tunnels, and bridges. The use of the EDGE automated data collection vehicle to generate distress maps amidst JFK’s busy aircraft operations demonstrates the technology’s value. Additionally, this project involved coordinating with a subconsultant to provide lighting services for nighttime inspections of the shoulders. APTech completed this large-hub airport PMS project without impacting its busy aircraft operations. APTech is currently continuing services under an additional IDIQ agreement.

In 2020, following a qualifications-based selection, Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (Authority) entered into a contract with Applied Pavement Technology, Inc. (APTech) to implement an airport pavement management system (APMS) for Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) and Hawkins Field Airport (HKS). The project is nearing completion, with only the capital improvement plan (CIP) development and report delivery tasks remaining. The deliverables for this project will provide the Authority with a planning tool to utilize reaching both short- and long-term goals.

For both airports, APTech started the project by reviewing all relevant records and developing a network definition. From there, a network-level pavement condition index (PCI) inspection, along with a structural assessment to determine the pavement classification number (PCN), was conducted. APTech also conducted falling-weight deflectometer (FWD) testing and a geotechnical investigation, which are being used in the development of a multi-year CIP. A PAVER database for inventory, construction history, and PCI data was created and updated with the findings from this project. Finally, APTech implemented its interactive web-based pavement management tool, IDEA to allow for easy access to the data collected during the APMS updates.

The Authority places a high importance on preserving pavement infrastructure, and APTech’s pavement management services will allow for them to proactively manage their pavement assets and make the most efficient use of their funding dollars. The detailed implementation of an APMS will provide the Authority with a framework to prioritize their rehabilitation needs, as well as justification to obtain any future funding needs. The web-based IDEA will allow for easy access to the results and recommendations without the need to learn how to use complicated pavement management software.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) consistently ranks as one of the top ten busiest airports in the United States and is a vital link in the nation’s transportation system. Since 2013, the City of Phoenix has relied on APTech to provide airfield pavement assessment services and recommendations. We have performed these updates in 2013, 2016, and 2019, and was again reselected to provide these services in 2022.

The primary goals of the project were to update the airport pavement management system (APMS) and to develop a maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) plan for the airside pavements at PHX.

To accomplish this goal, we performed detailed pavement inspections in accordance with the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) procedure and conducted a simplified inspection of the vehicle service roads, reporting general conditions of each section, and estimating the timing for rehabilitation.

During past projects, APTech performed FWD testing and the associated data analysis to evaluate the properties of the pavement and subgrade layers. We referenced that testing data to determine Pavement Classification Ratings (PCRs) for the airfield pavements using current traffic data, bringing the airport into compliance with updated FAA strength reporting requirements. APTech also measured and assessed the condition of the transverse saw-cut grooves on the runways and high-speed taxiways. Using these results in conjunction with PAVER, we identified and prioritized pavement rehabilitation projects—along with associated costs—to enable the City to plan for their capital improvement needs.

In addition, APTech continued support of its web-based interactive pavement management data visualization tool, IDEA, for PHX to disseminate information, results, and recommendations of the APMS in an easy-to-access format.

As with any busy commercial-service airport, we worked closely with PHX Operations throughout the duration of field work to coordinate safe and efficient inspections that reduce strain on the airport’s operations. Although the PCI inspections were delayed for several months due to ongoing construction work on the airfield, we expedited the inspections once airside access was allowed to keep the project on track.

We understand the importance of listening to client needs and adapting as they change. Throughout almost every iteration of our PHX pavement assessments, the scope has been tailored to address the current and continually changing needs of the City and the airport. The findings and recommendations from this project allow the City of Phoenix to maintain their extensive airfield pavement network in a cost-effective manner. The City has closely followed the recommendations from previous updates, resulting in continued improvement of the airfield pavement condition. 

With seventeen passenger airlines serving over 36 million passengers a year, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is the seventeenth busiest airport in the United States. As such, the preservation of the pavement infrastructure at Detroit Metro Airport is of critical importance for the safety of aircraft and the efficient movement of air traffic throughout the region and the country. In 2008, 2010, and 2013 we served as the prime consultant to update the APMS, which allows the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) to proactively manage their pavement assets. This work built on a 2004 project where we led the inspections as a subconsultant.

The 2008 project included performing PCI surveys on the new Runway 4L-22R complex, the McNamara Terminal Apron, the L.C. Smith Terminal Apron, and several de-icing pads. Runway 3R-21L and portions of the adjacent connecting taxiways were reconstructed in 2006 and 2007 and were also updated in the database. As a result of this effort, WCAA had a complete database incorporating all airfield pavement sections. In addition to conducting pavement inspections and determining the PCI of the pavements, we developed pavement performance prediction models to predict the condition of the pavements through 2013. The all-encompassing APMS was used to cost-effectively plan future M&R needs at the Airport.

In early 2009, WCAA had an urgent need to assess the condition of Runways 4R-22L and 3L-21R to evaluate the immediate need for major rehabilitation. We inspected these pavements in March 2009 and incorporated the results in the PAVER pavement management database and report.

Due to WCAA’s satisfaction, we were again selected in 2010 to update the APMS. This project included conducting PCI inspections on Runway 9R-27L and the majority of the taxiway system at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Recent and ongoing construction projects on Runways 9L-27R, Runway 3L-21R, and Taxiway Z were also incorporated into the database. In addition, the entire airfield pavement at Willow Run Airport was inspected and incorporated into a separate PAVER database. For both airports, we determined PCIs for each pavement section and developed performance models to predict the pavement condition over the next 5-years. We also provided training on the use of PAVER to WCAA staff.

In 2013, we were again selected to update the APMS at both Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport. In addition to the services performed as part of previous updates, we will also be performing FWD testing, overseeing a geotechnical investigation, and calculating PCNs for both airports.

The Houston Airport System (HAS) implemented an asset management strategy to maintain its pavement infrastructure as efficiently and effectively as possible. As part of this strategy, HAS selected a firm to complete several comprehensive asset condition assessments in 2013. We were selected as a subcontractor to take advantage of the firm's extensive Airport Pavement Management System (APMS) experience. This project involved concurrent efforts at all three HAS airports and the management of large volumes of high-accuracy pavement data, structural, and other data was integrated into the HAS databases.

Our role included updating the APMS for the airfield pavements at Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport and Houston Hobby Airport. We mapped pavement distresses on the runways and taxiways at both airports. We also performed FWD testing at Houston Hobby Airport and developed Pavement Classification Numbers at both airports. We used the results to develop maintenance and rehabilitation recommendations for the runways and taxiways at the airports. We were also able to assist in the delivery of business process recommendations to HAS for more efficient management of airfield assets in the future.

The Airport Consultants Council (ACC), founded in 1978, is an international association created to advance airport consulting, represent the interests of airport consultant firms, and bring together experts of the aviation industry. Applied Pavement Technology, Inc. (APTech) has been involved with the ACC since the inception of the company in 1994.

Since 2003, APTech staff have developed and conducted workshops and classes for the ACC, including Techniques for Airfield Pavement Maintenance, Repair, & Rehabilitation and Airport Pavement Design & Evaluation. The Airport Pavement Design & Evaluation Workshop has been held once to twice a year in various locations across the United States, assisted by senior Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) staff. Professionals who enroll in the course include airport engineers and designers, airport maintenance and operations staff, pavement design and repair consultants, FAA staff, and aircraft manufacturers.

In recent years, the pavement design class has expanded into the Airport Pavement Design, Evaluation, and Analysis Workshop and it is regularly updated to reflect changes in the FAA’s pavement design advisory circular, FAARFIELD (the FAA’s associated pavement design software), and COMFAA (their Pavement Classification Number calculation software).

Since 2013, together with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and Delta Airports Consultants, Inc., Applied Pavement Technology, Inc. (APTech) has provided the lead instructor for the Airport Pavement Maintenance and Evaluation Workshop. This workshop provides information needed to:

Establish an effective airport pavement management and maintenance program,

Understand the performance of pavements and how to evaluate them,

Identify the characteristics of a good pavement management and maintenance program, and

Learn the current repair techniques used in the industry.

The workshop also helps airport officials make informed decisions about the maintenance of their pavements and address special considerations such as minimizing impacts on users, maximizing airport safety, and adapting to their local operating environments. The format of the workshop provides a forum that allows attendees to network with industry colleagues on common pavement maintenance challenges and address issues appropriate to both general aviation and air carrier airports.

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.

Located in Warwick, Rhode Island, T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) is a small-hub airport that routinely offers international flights. The asphalt pavement was showing deterioration and needed to be restored to maintain operations. Working as a subcontractor, APTech performed pavement evaluation and design services for the rehabilitation of Taxiway C at PVD. The portion of Taxiway C located within approximately 800 feet adjacent to Runway 5-23 was also reconstructed and realigned to address geometric concerns.

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.

Multiple rehabilitation alternatives were considered, including asphalt surface replacement, full-depth reclamation, and concrete overlay. While these alternatives were structurally feasible, the taxiway required additional pavement structure to accommodate the anticipated aircraft traffic. The additional structural requirements for these alternatives made matching existing grades at each end of the section difficult. Milling a portion of the existing asphalt surface and placing a new asphalt overlay was not considered because of the deteriorated condition of the existing asphalt. A new asphalt pavement was ultimately selected.