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

Title:	Usage of landing mat as overlay on asphalt runway during military field exercises
Authors:	United States. Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command. Green, Hugh L.
Keywords:	Flexible pavements Landing mats Landing strips Membranes Airfields Runway pavements Overlays
Publisher:	Soils and Pavements Laboratory (U.S.) Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Description:	Miscellaneous Paper Abstract: This report describes four military exercises conducted at Oak Grove, N.C., in which XM18 landing mat was placed over a deteriorating asphalt runway to provide a landing strip for C-130 cargo aircraft. In the past, studies had been conducted at the WES on this subject; however, this was the first opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge on the behavior of the aircraft and the landing mat during a field exercise. This report is based on Memorandums for Record (MFR's) prepared for each of the exercises, which were conducted over a four-year period. Details of each exercise are described in the MFR's, which are presented in their entirety as appendixes in this report. The lessons learned that may be helpful in future installations of landing mat over asphalt are listed in the form of conclusions and recommendations. It is concluded that (A.) the use of landing mats over an existing deteriorating asphaltic pavement will upgrade the pavement, and prevent foreign object damage to aircraft from occurring; (B.) if there are no major potholes or "birdbaths" in the runway that would cause mat bridging, it is not necessary to place a leveling course of sand between the mat and the pavement; (C.) if the deteriorated condition and roughness of the. field dictate that a leveling soil course is required, a lightweight membrane should be placed between the soil and the landing mat to prevent pumping of the soil at the mat joints during inclement weather; and (D.) planktype landing mat, such as the XM18, can sustain horizontal movement in the direction of aircraft landings in the magnitude of approximately 25 in. without structural mat damage or adverse effects to the runway complex; however, based on similar exercises, a detrimental bow wave may develop if joints become tightly closed and this should be closely observed and avoided. This report should prove to be a valuable aid to a unit commander responsible for installation of landing mat over asphalt pavement.
Rights:	Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/11681/20898
Appears in Collections:	Miscellaneous Paper