Abstract
Traditionally, airport asphalt resurfacing works were delivered using a construct-only contract, requiring compliance with a design provided by the client, usually prepared by a design consultant. However, a number of generally compliant airport asphalt surfaces have failed to performed as required. Consequently, there is a desire to make asphalt contractors more responsible for the performance of airport asphalt surface that they have constructed. This paper describes the recent use of design and construct contracts for the delivery of airport asphalt resurfacing works in Australia. It is recommended that suitably sized and scoped airport asphalt resurfacing project consider a design and construct approach in the future. However, a robust preliminary design, nominated quantities for tendering and appropriate risk apportionment are all critical to project success.