Photo By Stacey Reese | Crews work on the drainage layer placement of the Vance Airfield repaving project...... read more read more
TULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing a large airfield repaving project at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma, where the contractor, WW Clyde, is using an innovative approach to runway paving.
One of the most notable aspects of the work is the use of two slip-form paving machines, pieces of equipment usually used for placing concrete in large continuous slabs.
“Using this machine for the drainage layer material is a game-changer,” said Tulsa District Contract Quality Assurance Representative Mike Harder. “This piece of equipment is typically used for placing large, continuous slabs of concrete and not commonly used for drainage layer airfield applications.”
The machine’s ability to spread the material efficiently reduces project time while helping ensure a smooth, even spread of materials.
A critical element of the project is the drainage system, which is designed to protect the concrete from moisture buildup, which could compromise the life of the pavement. Beneath the concrete is a drainage layer of clean aggregate rock designed to allow moisture to move through the under drain system and away from the concrete ensuring ground moisture will not affect the paving and its structural integrity.
The drainage layer placement is a multi-step process. Once the slip-form paving machine has spread the material a crew follows behind using a straight edge to further smooth the surface. During the hand-leveling process a surveyor ensures the surface is within specifications before a double-drum steel roller is used to compact the material. The final step in the drainage layer leveling process involves a hand-rolled drum, which smooths out any remaining irregularities.
“In addition to the new paving, areas of existing concrete are being cracked and seated,” said Harder. “This process involves creating micro-fractures in the old concrete, which are then treated as part of the aggregate base for stabilization.”
Specialized machinery is used to distribute concrete without disturbing the underlying drainage layer. To avoid walking on the uncured concrete a walk bridge is used for easy access to areas they may need to adjust, preserving the integrity of the freshly laid materials.
Once the concrete is laid, a cure machine is used to help cure the material ensuring it hardens correctly and evenly. This also ensures that any freestanding water is removed, preventing delays in the curing process.
“In addition to the new paving, areas of existing concrete are being cracked and seated,” said Harder. “This process involves creating micro-fractures in the old concrete, which are then treated as part of the aggregate base for stabilization. This technique allows for a more cost-effective and efficient use of existing materials.”
The design and construction of this project considers the heaviest and largest aircraft that will utilize the runway, ensuring it is equipped to handle the aviation needs while maintaining long-term durability.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2025 09:26 |
| Story ID: | 494350 |
| Location: | OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 54 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Engineering Excellence: Tulsa District USACE oversees Vance runway project, by Stacey Reese, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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