Selection of Input Parameters for Layered Elastic Design of Flexible Aircraft Pavements

Abstract

The Australian developed layered elastic tool for flexible aircraft pavement design, Aircraft Pavement Structural Design System (APSDS) is based on the road design program, CIRCLY. One of the advantages of APSDS (and some other layered elastic tools) over purely empirical design methods is that the designer can select and control all input parameters. The operation of this tool is relatively simple. However, unless appropriate input parameters are selected, gross errors can result. The required parameters include subgrade strength, standard deviation of aircraft wander, aircraft masses, tyre pressures and aircraft passes, as well as asphalt modulus and pavement composition. The selection of parameters, including their relative importance, is discussed and indicative values are provided for many input parameters.