1. ERDC Knowledge Core
2. Pre - Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
3. Soils and Pavements Laboratory - (8/1/1972 - 4/16/1978)
4. Publication
5. Contract Report

Title:	Research and development of prefabricated airfield and road surfacing membrane
Authors:	Globe Albany Corporation United States. Army Materiel Command Pedersen, George C.
Keywords:	Adhesives Expedient surfacings Fabrics Membranes Neoprene latex Prefabricated membrane surfacing Rubber Runways Road materials
Publisher:	U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Description:	Contract Report Purpose: The U.S. Army desires an effective means for establishing an airfield or roadway without the expenditure of time necessary when conventional means are used. Where soil conditions permit the bare ground can be covered with a coated fabric called "Prefabricated Airfield and Road Surfacing Membrane". A research and development contract was negotiated between the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES) and the Industrial Fabrics Division of Albany Felt Company, Albany, N.Y. for the purpose of developing a superior membrane for this purpose. Since the inception of this contract, the name of Albany Felt Co. has been changed to Albany International Corp., and the Industrial Fabrics division has become part of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Globe Albany Corporation, Buffalo, N.Y. Under this contract (No. DACA39-68-C-0003, as modified), a fundamental approach to the very wide range of options was taken. Because of this approach we were not limited to available fabric constructions or rubber compounds. We were thus able to consider the use of all the fibers and polymers that were available. For the production of the fabrics, we considered fiber performance, yarn construction, weave construction for grab and tear strength, flexibility, winding equipment, dressing equipment, loom requirements, and selvage requirements. The final fabric product is clearly superior to any fabric heretofore available and is substantially different from any fabric available at the beginning of this work. For the designation of the rubber compound, the commercially available polymers were screened and all promising materials were investigated in their available forms. The optimum material, a neoprene latex, was chosen. To properly optimize the performance of the membrane, the rubber must be prepared with additives. Some of the rubber considerations were: toughness, abrasion resistance, self-extinguishability, fiber wettability, penetration of the fabric, bonding to the base fabric, high strength adhesive joins, flexibility, U.V. resistance, jet-fuel resistance, and temperature resistance. The final membrane sample used one basic rubber with three different levels of binding additive. The final rubber combination is satisfactory in all respects; however, further improvements are possible. It was found that priming of the fabric to promote rubber bonding is mandatory for a suitable material to be developed. For the combination of fabric, primer, and rubber to yield a satisfactory membrane material, many manufacturing variables were considered. Techniques were developed for this purpose. In order to achieve the very high performance glued seams needed, many adhesives were tested, and the optimum material was chosen. Satisfactory techniques were developed to produce the required seams. The anti-skid surface needed on the center of the runway is extremely important to achieve a satisfactory coefficient of friction against the airplane wheel. The optimum method is to apply a patterned coating to the membrane surface during the final assembly. Operator technique is important as is manufacturing technology. Further improvement is needed in this area. Packaging of the final product was considered and is at the stage where the next logical steps are trials with full-sized pieces. It is our opinion that the work done has led to definite and substantial improvements in the technological level of "Prefabricated Airfield and Road Surfacing Membrane" production. The minor improvement needed in the membrane can best be done while carrying out full-scale manufacturing efforts.
Rights:	Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/11681/20522
Appears in Collections:	Contract Report