Experts Talk is an interview series with technical leaders from across our transportation program. The right expertise and the right approach can mean less disruption to operations and more flexibility for airfields going into the future. BJ Skar, P. He previously served as the senior airfield engineer for the U. In this interview he discusses how to tailor projects to each unique airfield, design a preventive maintenance program and create durable pavement projects that will serve airport facilities for decades.
Skar has overseen planning, design and construction of various aviation projects including runways, taxiways, aprons, air traffic control towers, weapons systems facilities, lighting projects and more. Each airport is different, and each runway and section of an airfield is different. How do we develop plans that are unique to each set of circumstances? In my experience, it always starts with mission. In the military world, we still have baggage and passengers, but we also deal with the weapons and explosives both as cargo and in or on armed aircraft.
Much of pavement design depends on the aircraft that will use the facility. The now has a similar reputation. In those instances, you need to make sure to direct the aircraft to just the sections of pavement that are strong enough to support it.
Knowing the planes that will be used determines the pavement features needed. Then we also look to the future and see what else might be coming in, to try to accommodate change. For example, in most places DOD aircraft are parked on the same mass parking apron, so you want flexibility for that apron. That way, when new aircraft arrive in 10 or 15 years, those planes might also be able to use those facilities.
How should owners approach preventive maintenance to extend the life of their pavement? Preventive maintenance should begin with a strong operations and maintenance plan for pavements. As a starting point, this should include a n inventory of each pavement feature including f orecasted traffic, s ubgrade soils condition and strength, as-built conditions and m aintenance activity.
