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Q: What is airfield pavement ride quality, and why is it important?
A: Airfield pavement ride quality refers to the amount of aircraft response produced as the aircraft traverses the pavement during operations. It’s an important factor in passenger comfort, operational safety, and reduced aircraft maintenance. Poor ride quality can lead to increased dynamic loading on the pavement shortening its useful life and causing excessive wear on aircraft structure increasing the risk of structural fatigue.
Q: How does APR Consultants evaluate runway roughness?
A: APR uses advanced profiling equipment to measure runway profiles and aircraft simulation technology to assess how an aircraft responds to measured profile data. This analysis precisely identifies the location of the roughness event and accurately quantifies its severity.
Q: What is the Boeing Bump Index, and does APR use it?
A: The Boeing Bump Index (BBI) is a tool used to evaluate single event roughness based on the event's wavelength and amplitude. While APR acknowledges its value, we also highlight its limitations and supplement it with advanced methodologies, like aircraft simulation incorporating APR's BBI+ technology, to provide more accurate assessments.
Q: Why is profile measurement important for airfield pavements?
A: Profile measurement tracks the pavement's profile changes over time, helping to detect settlement, heaving, or deviations from smoothness standards. Early detection allows for cost-effective repairs and prolongs the pavement’s service life.
Q: How does APR Consultants perform smoothness acceptance testing?
A: We conduct smoothness acceptance testing using APR's inertial profiler to accurately measure the pavement's profile. This, coupled with a corrective action plan for any roughness identified in the initial survey, ensures compliance with FAA AC 150/5370-10H standards and meets ride quality expectations.
Q: What sets APR’s roughness evaluation services apart from others?
A: With 30+ years of experience in evaluating airport pavement ride quality, APR combines precise profile measurement with aircraft simulation to evaluate roughness as an aircraft would experience it. This approach provides actionable insights beyond traditional methods like the BBI or IRI (International Roughness Index).
Q: Can APR help with FAA AC 150/5380-9 compliance?
A: Yes, APR Consultants will evaluate a runway as specified in FAA AC 150/5380-9. This includes profile measurement and the use of ProFAA for BBI analysis.
Q: How often should a runway's profile be evaluated?
A: Runway profile monitoring should be conducted every three to five years, with frequency depending on factors like traffic load, environmental and subgrade conditions, and age of the pavement. APR can help airports establish baseline profile which is critical for routine monitoring.
Q: What are long-wavelength roughness issues, and how does APR address them?
A: Long-wavelength roughness refers to long, gradual bumps or dips in the pavement's profile that can impact aircraft ride quality during conventional operations. Often, these undulations cannot be seen by the eye or felt when driven over with a car. Because of this, APR uses profile measurement and aircraft simulation to identify the location and quantify the severity of these events.
Q: Can APR assist with designing repairs for areas of pavement roughness?
A: Yes, APR conducts iterative simulations to assist optimal repair designs. By predicting the aircraft's response to different repair designs, we ensure the final design improves ride quality while maintaining functionality and safety.
Q: What types of clients does APR Consultants work with?
A: APR serves a diverse range of clients, from the largest and busiest international airports to smaller regional and municipal airfields. APR is also partners with large international engineering and project management firms as well as with smaller regional paving contractors. Our expertise helps ensure safe, smooth, and FAA-compliant airfield pavements.
Q: How do I get started with APR Consultants on my project?
A: Scroll down a bit further to get started by contacting us through the "Contact APR" link. We’ll have a thorough discussion to assess your project's needs. APR will then provide a tailored plan to ensure your objectives are achieved.
How Can APR Help You Today?
From roughness investigation of existing airfield pavements to new airfield pavement acceptance testing, APR has the technology and experience for your needs.