Masonry Magazine April 1994 Page. 38
Pavers Rehab Grand Cayman Airport
Rehab technique saved $500,000 over conventional rigid concrete pavement.
CONCRETE PAVERS have proven their utility and cost effectiveness for apron pavement rehabilitation on Grand Cayman Island. Last November, a 105,570 square foot terminal apron at Owen Roberts International Airport demonstrated that an inlay of concrete pavers could be easily incorporated into the rehabilitation of asphalt taxiways and runways. This technique saved $500,000 over conventional rigid concrete pavement, according to Roy D. McQueen, one of the project engineers.
The $4.16-million apron and taxi way rehabilitation included the grinding and removal of some 4 inches of worn asphalt and and overlay of new asphalt conforming to Federal Aviation Administration specifications. For the apron area, a large rectangular area was left with no new asphalt. The inside perimeter of the opening was saw cut to create a sharp 90 degree corner about 4 inches deep. A steel edge was placed in the corner as a restraint for the pavers.
After the edging was placed, approximately 1.5 inches of bedding sand was screeded smooth and the 3 inch thick concrete pavers were installed. The paving units were vibrated into the sand; finer sand was swept into the joints, and the area compacted again. After removal of excess joint sand on the surface of the pavers, a pneumatic tire roller seated the pavers to help accelerate interlock. A sealer was sprayed onto the pavers to stabilize the joint sand.
Once an area was completed, it was immediately opened to use by aircraft. The completed apron area in concrete pavers accommodates seven parking positions for medium range commercial jet aircraft. The airport is serviced by Cayman Air, Island Air, Air Jamaica, Northwest, American and United Airlines.
CONCRETE PÁVERS at Grand Caymand Island receive loads from commercial jet aircraft.
38 MASONRY-MARCH/APRIL, 1994