AAPTP resources explore airfield longitudinal joint performance
The latest product from the Airport Asphalt Pavement Technology Program (AAPTP) reviews construction techniques and maintenance for longitudinal joints on airfield asphalt pavements.
AAPTP creates and deploys industry resources, like the Airfield Asphalt Binder Selection Tool, as part of a cooperative agreement between NAPA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
This latest resource comes in three volumes:
Volume 1: Literature Review of Construction Techniques to Improve the Performance of Longitudinal Joints and a Review of Longitudinal Joint Maintenance for Airfield Pavements (AIR-004, July 2025)
This report summarizes a critical review of literature on airfield and highway longitudinal joint construction practices, including the use of void-reducing asphalt membranes (VRAMs), joint adhesives, joint heaters, and joint sealants, that have been used to improve joint performance.
Volume 2: Inspections of Existing and New Projects with Different Longitudinal Joint Construction Techniques (AIR-005, July 2025)
This report describes site inspections conducted for existing projects with void reducing membrane (VRAM) installations to assess their performance, as well as site inspections of new projects installing VRAM and rapid-penetrating emulsion (RPE) to document their application.
Volume 3: Best Practices Manual for Longitudinal Joint Maintenance (AIR-006, July 2025)
Specific procedures are prescribed for the construction of longitudinal joints in airport pavements, and specific density requirements must be met for longitudinal joints. This manual covers the overall joint construction process, with detailed emphasis on construction considerations, materials, specifications, and practices that build on the information provided in FAA ACs 150/5370-10 and 150/5380-6.
