ENGINEERING TESTS OF T12 PLASTIC AIRPLANE LANDING MAT

Abstract : An experimental, commercially fabricated, plastic landing mat designated the T12 was subjected to laboratory tests to determine its structural properties and engineering traffic tests to compare its performance with that of standard M8 steel mat and with project requirements. The laboratory tests indicated that because of fabrication deficiencies the structural properties of the T12 mat were less than considered necessary to fulfill project traffic requirements (700 coverages of 50,000-lb wheel lead with mat placed on subgrade with CBR of 15). Traffic tests (loads of 25,000-50,000 lb, tire pressures of 100-200 psi, on mat-surfaced subgrades with CBR's of 15-17) revealed that the T12 mat as fabricated will not meet project requirements but will sustain two weeks emergency operational category traffic (40 coverages, 50,000-lb load). It is concluded that plastic mat meeting project requirements can be fabricated commercially, and it is recommended that the T12 mat design be modified to incorporate improved connectors and materials and such other improvements as discussed herein and that engineering tests be conducted of the revised design. (Author)