The Australian Airports Association (AAA) has been awarded a $2.475 million Australian Government grant to continue its work as part of the Airport Pavement Research Program (APRP) in developing better-quality and more cost-efficient airfields.
The APRP was established at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) in collaboration with the AAA and the Department of Defence to assist in research and development in Australian airport pavement technology and maintenance.
This research includes key technical issues which can affect aircraft pavement performance, such as bitumen quality, asphalt performance, concrete performance, and sustainable pavement practices.
AAA Chief Executive James Goodwin said the program, since its inception, has provided essential research for the aviation sector.
“This program, which has been running over the past four years, has been critical to ensuring many runway upgrades have used the most up-to-date technology and global engineering innovations to make surfaces that last longer and are more efficient,” Goodwin said.
“Australia has committed to reaching net zero targets by 2050 so it is important we have up to date research on best practice pavement performance and how new aviation technologies might affect aerodromes.”
During its four years the program has contributed to significant benefits for the airport industry, such as the developments of a national performance-based airport asphalt specification and national airport sprayed seal specification.
AAA says it will continue to employ several Master’s and PhD students and postdoctoral researchers for the program.
For more information on the program, click here.
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