Asphalt Pavement Testing at Philadelphia International Airport

Dr. Dan Offenbacker and a support contractor team conducted a site visit to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on June 12, 2026 to collect asphalt mixtures from a paving project that includes recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in the mix. The purpose of the sample collection is to evaluate the performance of FAA Specification P-401 asphalt mixtures containing RAP. The asphalt mixtures will be evaluated for fatigue resistance (long term cooler temperature related distress), cracking, and rutting resistance (high load or high temperature related distress) in the laboratory. The study further aims to assess P-401 mixture variability during production, (i.e. variability as it comes from the asphalt plant vs laboratory produced material). The findings from this field collection are expected to guide conclusions regarding the viability of incorporating up to 20% RAP into the FAA standards for P-401 surface asphalt mixtures. Current FAA standards do not allow the use of RAP in asphalt surface layers.

Dr. Dan Offenbacker | ANG-E262