Airport Taxiway Reinforcement Using Macro PP Fibers

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       •      Type: 4-minute read

       •      Audience: Construction professionals, engineers, architects, contractors 

Introduction

Airport taxiways endure repeated heavy wheel loads, temperature fluctuations, and moisture exposure—making durability and crack resistance essential for long-term performance. Traditional steel mesh reinforcement is often labor-intensive, corrosion-prone, and time-consuming to install. In contrast, macro polypropylene (PP) fibers offer a corrosion-free, easy-to-integrate solution for strengthening concrete in high-traffic aviation infrastructure. This article explores how macro PP fibers are being utilized in taxiway construction to deliver long-lasting, cost-efficient performance without compromising safety.

Challenges in Taxiway Pavement Design

Airport taxiways are subject to static and dynamic loads from aircraft weighing hundreds of tons. These surfaces must resist fatigue, shrinkage cracks, and environmental stress. Traditional reinforcement methods, such as steel mesh or rebar, can corrode over time and require precise placement. Macro PP fibers, added directly into the concrete mix, distribute reinforcement throughout the slab, improving tensile strength and reducing the potential for cracking and spalling.

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Performance Advantages Over Steel Reinforcement

Macro PP fibers provide several advantages compared to steel:

• No corrosion: Ideal for airside environments exposed to deicing salts or moisture

Labor savings: No need for steel placement or tying

• Uniform reinforcement: Fibers are dispersed throughout the mix, enhancing structural integrity

• Improved post-crack behavior: Fibers maintain load transfer even after minor cracking

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Proven Field Applications and Case Studies

International airports in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia have adopted macro PP fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) for taxiway upgrades. For example, a European airbase replaced steel mesh with 4 kg/m³ of macro PP fiber, reducing construction time by 30% while improving performance under repeated aircraft wheel loads. These projects demonstrate how fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) can meet stringent aviation performance standards.

Compatibility with Pavement Design Standards

Macro PP fibers comply with global concrete standards such as ASTM C1609 and EN 14651 for flexural performance. They are suitable for both jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP) and continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP). Their use has been validated in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models for airfield loading scenarios, supporting design optimization in taxiway slabs.

Sustainability and Lifecycle Cost Benefits

By eliminating corrosion concerns and reducing material waste, PP fibers contribute to greener construction practices. The reduction in labor, steel use, and maintenance frequency leads to long-term cost savings. With a growing focus on sustainable aviation infrastructure, macro PP fibers offer a future-ready reinforcement technology that meets both environmental and performance criteria.

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