Technical ReportAbstract: The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center executed a program for the Air Force Civil Engineer Center and the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) that involved a series of full-scale tests of the AM2 airfield mat system in an effort to validate a model which predicts the performance of AM2 under different operational conditions. A key component of the test program was evaluating the AM2 installation patterns approved by NAVAIR, which included the 2-1 lay pattern that is used on runways and high-speed taxiways. Initial analyses of the results showed that the performance of the AM2 mat system installed in the 2-1 lay pattern decreased when compared to the standard brickwork pattern, largely because of sections resulting with two longitudinal joints. An alternative pattern was sought to improve the load-carrying capabilities of the system, and the results are provided in this report. The discussions herein summarize traffic tests that were conducted on what was called the “modified” 2-1 lay pattern, which amended the 2-1 lay pattern to eliminate the key contributor that reduced system performance (i.e., two continuous joints). The results showed a significant increase in passes-to-failure in comparison to the 2-1 lay pattern and the brickwork pattern.

Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (U.S.)Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)

AM2; Landing mat; Aluminum mat; Airfield mat; Airfield damage repair; Expeditionary airfield mat; Airfields

ERDC/GSL TR ; 15-32.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

DOCUMENT