Abstract
Flexible aircraft pavement repairs are typically performed using hot mix asphalt (HMA) designed and produced by asphalt contractors. However, for regional airfields that are not close to asphalt batching plants and for military airbases during times of conflict, access to asphalt contractors may not be possible within the required timeframes for emergency repairs. Consequently, aerodrome operators seek a robust and reliable approach for self-performed HMA repairs without the reliance on asphalt contractors. One option for self-performed repairs is the use of prepositioned asphalt recycling machines that can reheat up to 10 tonnes of HMA per hour using on-site cold asphaltic materials, such as recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) millings or pre-made asphalt brickettes. However, to ensure the success of this repair method, the on-site asphaltic materials must be validated against indicative performance requirements of airport HMA emergency repairs. This research assessed existing RAP milling stockpiles for 100% incorporation into an HMA layer without mixture design, as well as aged asphalt brickettes, as an emergency repair material. Based on laboratory testing, it was determined that aged asphalt brickettes and RAP millings can be used as a reheated HMA layer for emergency repairs. However, the asphalt milling stockpile must be controlled to ensure consistent material properties. Furthermore, both material sources would likely not be suitable for permanent repairs due to the presence of aged binder, resulting in reduced fracture resistance.