Airport Pavement Detail

Friday, February 27, 2026

Laboratory Characterization Testing Plan

The FAA NextGen Pavement Materials Lab began a laboratory testing plan to evaluate the variability and performance of FAA Specification P-401, asphalt mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). This investigation aims to assess the performance of the P-401 mixture during asphalt production and to characterize, in the laboratory, the fatigue, cracking, and rutting resistance of each mixture. Materials were sourced from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) during a mill and overlay project on Taxiway E. The findings are expected to verify data from the FAA's National Airport Pavement Materials Research Center Test Cycle 2, which showed that incorporating 20% RAP into the P-401 surface course with a Warm-Mix additive delivers performance comparable to that of mixtures without RAP.

Murphy Flynn | ANG-E26

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