Automated Surface Treatment Vehicle for Increased Airfield Pavement Lifespan

necoTECH is developing a new approach to automated seal coating and rejuvenation of asphalt infrastructure. Using an approach adopted from agricultural applications and by integrating more eco-friendly equipment, we can improve upon existing surface treatment approaches. The new technologies result in extended airfield life spans and higher-quality application techniques and the eco-friendly vehicles help the DAF meet sustainability standards. Additionally, the easy-to-use equipment results in lower manpower and reduced technical training.Airbase pavement infrastructure is one of the most critical assets for mission success. Currently, the 200 global DAF bases contain more than 2.2 billion square feet of pavement. Constant maintenance and repair are required to keep these installations battle-ready. The Air Force Civil Engineering CenterÆs Airfield Pavement Evaluation team is always looking for opportunities to improve maintenance efficiency and ensure the safety of those responsible for maintenance. Vehicular maintenance fleets are in constant use, and often need upgrades or replacement. This established maintenance cycle provides an opportunity for the DAF to introduce more eco-friendly and efficient vehicles into their fleet operations as these older vehicles are cycled out at the end of their useful life. Enabling maintenance vehicles to integrate new technologies improves operational efficiencies, reduces costs, and eliminates some of the challenges of relying on human labor ¢ human error, scheduling, safety concerns, and weather conditions. As these new vehicles are introduced to the fleet, new technologies can also be added, such as asphalt rejuvenation treatments and asphalt seal coating treatments. Think of rejuvenation treatments as the equivalent of stain; seal-coating treatments act more like paint. Asphalt rejuvenation treatments restore the asphaltÆs original chemical properties, which have been deteriorating since the moment the asphalt was paved. These treatments: Ģ Replace oils lost due to oxidation Ģ Revitalize the asphalt binder Ģ Restore asphalt flexibility Ģ Seal the pavement against contaminants Ģ Extend the useful life of asphalt indefinitely Asphalt Sealcoating Treatment is a defensive layer designed to protect pavement from harmful elements). When applied on a regular schedule, seal coating can double the life of the pavement. In addition to the vast commercial market for this technology, defense applications can include taxiways, roads, and parking lots. ERDC is currently researching this for proper use on airfields.