Rigid pavement for helicopter parking

[gerrytt]

I have to design a concrete pavement for parking five bell 412 helicopters, approximately 350ft x 90ft. I'm considering 3500psi concrete (cyl), 6" thk, two layers of rft, upper #3 @ 12"BW, lower #4 @ 12"BW. The aft skid tube load is 4772lbs over a contact area 2"x14" i.e. imposed stress 199psi. The pressure to subbase material assuming 45 degree dispersion is 2045psf + concrete 75psf, total 2120psf < 3000 psf (safe assumption for the existing compacted subbase material). Any comments?
Fuel leakage needs to be giving consideration as present asphaltic surface is damaged. Also looking for guidance with respect to joint details and surface finish.
Any assistance will be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[BigH]

Look at US Army publications. They used to have one called Design of Airfields and Heliports in the Field of Operations. Might be something there to help you out. If you check the USACE web site, you should find more up to date. Also check FAA website. Sorry, I don't have at my fingertips (help - SlideRuleEra??). If I find them, I'll post them for you. I think that I would go with a bit higher concrete strength - even to the point of considering glass-fibre reinforced in the upper layer of concrete. The higher the concrete strength, the more durable it will be; also, a very dense mix will be better to prevent migration of fuel contaminants into the concrete.

 

[jdonville]

gerryt,

The FAA also has design guidance for aircraft - including helicopters. See

http://www.faa.gov/arp/engineering/index.cfm?ARPnav=engineer

Hope this helps,

Jeff


Jeffrey T. Donville, PE
TTL Associates, Inc.

http://www.ttlassoc.com

 

[RDK]

Download the software that the US military uses for pavement design from

https://transportation.wes.army.mil/triservice/pcase/

It will answer all your questions and includes several PDF files on airport pavement design.

Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng

Construction Project Management
From conception to completion

http://www.kitsonengineering.com

 

[gerrytt]

Gentlemen

Your assistance appreciated

Gerard B. Mahadeo