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Oceana County Airport

Runway 9/27, Taxiways, & Terminal Apron

Project Description

Oceana County Airport wanted to restore the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) ratings on its runway without incurring the cost of removing and replacing the pavement. Prein&Newhof worked with Oceana County to identify an FAA eligible surface treatment that could be applied at a lower cost while still extending pavement life.

Runway 9/27, the terminal apron, the main connecting taxiway way, and approximately half of the connecting taxi-streets were constructed in 1999. Two more taxi-streets and part of the parallel taxiway were constructed in 2004. Pavement Condition Index ratings were between 33 and 61. The pavement rated at 33 was removed and replaced, and surface treatment was applied to prolong pavement life and to restore favorable PCI ratings.

An FAA P-629 Thermoplastic Coal Tar Emulsion, commonly known as “Grip-Flex”, was selected for the runway. Since Oceana County did not want to replace its existing pavement, a method to address five-inch-wide cracks on the runway was needed. Normal crack sealing materials are not effective at this width even if backing material is used. Prein&Newhof worked with Oceana County to identify a polymer-based sealant that could fill the void while remaining flexible enough to allow the pavement to move.

Prein&Newhof was the lead consultant and performed project administration, all design functions, construction staking, and construction observation services. SOMAT Engineering provided material testing. The project included 31,000 feet of crack sealing, 48,000 square yards of surface treatment, 47,000 square feet of pavement markings, and 200 tons of hot mix asphalt.

A labor union associated with one of the subcontractors went on strike shortly before the project started. The subcontractor was not able to perform the work during the original project schedule as a result. Prein&Newhof worked with Oceana County and Ameriseal of Ohio (the primary contractor) to leave the pavement in place over the winter of 2018–2019 and re-mobilize in Spring of 2019 to complete the work. All work was performed at the original bid prices.

Contact

John Stroo, PE
Project Manager
616-364-8491