The following are products of the AAPTP. All resources are designed to be 508 compliant.
Asphalt Paving Handbook (AIR-003, April 2025)
This Handbook provides comprehensive technical information and best practices related to the paving of asphalt mixtures for roadway and airfield projects. Prior editions focused on roadway paving; this 2025 Edition places greater emphasis on airfield paving, with discussion on practices unique to airfield work. To facilitate understanding of this new material, an Airfield Video Series is being released throughout 2025. The first edition of this Handbook was published in 1991 by the Transportation Research Board. In 2000, the National Research Council appointed a committee of experts from agencies, producers, and contractors to update the Handbook. Since its inception, the Handbook has served as a venerable reference used across the asphalt paving industry to promulgate good practices.
Balanced Mix Design: Rutting Performance Tests (AIR-007, August 2025)
This report on balanced mix design and rutting performance tests for asphalt pavements focuses on advancements in airfield reliability and safety through innovative material technologies. The study aimed to establish rutting test protocols and criteria tailored to airfield asphalt mixtures, supporting the FAA's BMD framework. Four rutting tests – APA, HWTT, HT-IDT, and IRT – were evaluated, with a 7±0.5% air void level for consistent specimen preparation. Mechanistic-empirical analyses using 3D-Move software refined the APA 250 psi/250 lb test criteria by accounting for aircraft speed, load, and environmental conditions. New thresholds were developed for all rutting tests, validated through field core testing from rutted and non-rutted airfield sections. Implementation plans include pilot projects, long-term monitoring, and industry collaboration to ensure practical adoption of the revised P-401/P-403 specifications. Future work will focus on expanding BMD into production and refining correlations between lab tests and field performance.
Download the Report (84 pages)
Download Appendices:
A: Technical Memo 1: Analysis of In-Place Density Data from Airfield Projects (27 pages)
B: Phase I Interim Report (98 pages)
C: Technical Memo 2: Recommendations of Air Void Level for Flexible Airfield Pavements Mechanical Tests (30 pages)
D: Mix Design Verification Data (45 pages)
E: Rutting Test Results (75 pages)
F: Mechanistic Analysis (220 pages)
G: FAA Advisory Circular: Suggested Edits (734 pages)
Improving Performance of Longitudinal Joints in Airfield Asphalt Pavements
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.
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.
Guidance for Selection of Proper Asphalt Binder Grade (AIR-002, July 2024)
This report documents recommendations for selecting the appropriate asphalt binder grade for airfield flexible pavement designs and fulfills project goals related to:
Developing guidance that aids specifiers in selecting an asphalt binder grade for airfields in the United States, its territories, and Canada based on climate, aircraft loading, speed, and pavement layer.
Developing a web-based tool that specifiers can use to select an appropriate binder grade for asphalt mixtures in a pavement structure.
Delivering draft language for FAA and DOD specifications used for airfield projects that need clarification.
Validation of Gyration Level for Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) for Mix Design and Control of Airport Asphalt Mixtures (AIR-008, October 2025)
This report validates gyration levels for SGC to achieve volumetric properties equivalent to 50 and 75 blows with a Marshall hammer for airport asphalt mixtures. The study analyzed more than 50 mixtures from various climatic zones, incorporating diverse aggregate types, asphalt binders, and mixture properties. The findings confirm FAA specifications for P-401 and P-403 mix designs, supporting the existing FAA framework and ensuring reliable mix designs for airfield pavements servicing aircraft +/- 60,000 lb. The report highlights differences in compaction methods, aggregate breakdown, and laboratory variability, emphasizing the consistency of SGC compaction across laboratories.