Request for Proposal
Project 04-05
Improved Performance of Longitudinal Joints on Asphalt Airfield Pavements

Proposals Due December 2, 2005 at 4:00 P.M. CST

Airfield Asphalt Pavement
Technology Program (AAPTP)

RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT

The poor performance of longitudinal joints is one of the biggest problems on asphalt concrete airfields. Several different approaches to constructing longitudinal joints have been used with varying degrees of success. Clear guidance is needed to identify the best longitudinal joint, develop acceptance criteria and understand the benefits and limitations of asphalt longitudinal joints on airfields. This project will provide the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommendations on specifications and documentation for improved asphalt longitudinal joint construction for airfields.

Objective

The objective of this study is to develop technical guidance for the improved construction and performance of longitudinal joints on asphalt airfield pavements. This guidance shall consist of recommendations for FAA specification for asphalt longitudinal joints and a guidance document on the various longitudinal joint construction practices. The recommendations and guidance must consider but not be limited to the following:

  1. Existing types of longitudinal joint construction techniques and their respective performance to include:
    1. Definition of each type of longitudinal joint construction
    2. Limitations of specific joint types
    3. Significant factors affecting performance of each type
    4. Impact of asphalt mix characteristics on performance
    5. Factors affecting short and long term performance
    6. Typical maintenance required
    7. Cost effectiveness
  2. Applicability and comparison of highway longitudinal joint construction practices to airfield pavements
  3. Preferred and acceptable alternative longitudinal joint construction practice
  4. Location of the longitudinal joint
  5. Echelon paving and compaction relationships to longitudinal joint performance
  6. Use of tack coats and/or other materials at longitudinal joints
  7. Use of joint heaters
  8. Material lift thickness and maximum size aggregate
  9. Causes and prevention of materials segregation at longitudinal joints
  10. Placement temperature and density requirements
  11. Types and use of compaction equipment including rubber tire rollers
  12. Aircraft tire pressures and total loads
  13. Effect of channelized aircraft traffic
  14. Permeability of the longitudinal joint
  15. Acceptance specifications, core location and pay factors (others in addition to density)
Product/Approach

Recommendations and improved performance of longitudinal joints shall be developed by addressing the following tasks:

Task 1 -- Review existing literature on longitudinal joints for asphalt concrete pavements.

Task 2 -- Assemble representative national airfields database of types, location and performance of longitudinal joints used on asphalt airfield pavements considering the different climates and airfield classifications in the US. It is anticipated that the database will consist of 3- 5 types of longitudinal joints in at least 3 FAA regions and general and large commercial airports. An outline of anticipated procedures including the number and types of airfields to be included in the database matrix must be addressed in response to the RFP.

Note: The research agency is encouraged not to accomplish data acquisition by conducting a written survey. A survey is defined as the random distribution of a standard list of questions that seek trends for forecasting information. The use of such surveys must receive approval through the Airfield Asphalt Pavement Technology Program from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This process requires a minimum of 90 days from the date of application for the survey approval. The 90-day approval period is not included in the time designated as the performance period.

Task 3 -- Develop a comprehensive document on best practice of longitudinal joint construction. This includes pro and cons and must address the issues listed in the objectives. This document shall include an executive summary that may be extracted and used as a technical brief on longitudinal joints.

Task 4 -- Evaluate existing FAA (150/5370-10B) and DOD (UFGS-02749) specifications and develop recommendations for FAA on improved longitudinal joints. This recommendation document shall include options and/or alternatives and comprehensive acceptance requirements.

Task 5 -- Develop draft implementation plan to promote improved longitudinal joint construction within the asphalt airfield community.

Task 6 -- Submit a draft report and make presentation to the technical panel. The research agency shall submit a preliminary draft report and implementation plan (eight hard copies and one electronic copy) for review by the project technical panel a minimum of 30 days prior to meeting. The project technical panel will provide comments within approximately one month of this presentation.

Task 7 -- Finalize project report and recommendations considering the comments provided by the technical panel.

Reporting Requirements

All written documentation will be prepared using Microsoft Word. All reports will be the property of the AAPTP and Auburn University and will be supplied in a format that complies with the FAA's Section 508 requirements for electronic documents. A policy statement for Section 508 can be found at http://www.faa.gov/aio/508/, and the Section 508 website, a summary and list of standards, can be found at http://www.section5 0 8.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=3.

Progress Reports

Quarterly progress reports (2 hard copies and an electronic copy in Microsoft Word format) are required from the research agency and are to be prepared on the basis of calendar quarters. The research agency will mail a hard copy of the progress report to the AAPTP and will provide and electronic version (Microsoft Word format) via e-mail for distribution to members of the technical review panel. Each report will include a cover letter and the following:

  1. a clear and complete description of the work performed on each task during that quarter;
  2. an outline of the work to be accomplished during the next quarter;
  3. a description of any problem(s) encountered or anticipated that might affect the completion of the project within the time and fiscal constraints recommended;
  4. potential solutions to problems identified in (c) if any exist.

Report Format

The formats for the Interim and Final reports are provided under "Forms."

Contractual Information

Funds Available: $150,000

Contract Time: 18 months (includes 3 months for AAPTP to review and for the contractor to revise the final report.)

Staff Responsibility: Monte Symons, 334-844-4964, symonmg@auburn.edu

Phone Interview: During the selection process, the technical panel may conduct a telephone interview with the research organization's principle investigator after initial screening of the proposals. The purpose of this telephone interview is to clarify the proposal and make final selection recommendations.

Proposals Due: December 2, 2005

Submit Proposals To: AAPTP, 277 Technology Parkway, Auburn, AL, 36830

Authorization to Begin Work: December 15, 2005 -- estimated

Maintained by Linda Kerr