FE simulation and experimental analysis on bearing capacity of the runway strips

The aim of this study was to establish reasonable values for both maximum deflection and minimum bearing capacity of runway strips, conforming to regulations specified by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), to implement in the design and reabilitation of the runway strips of the Cagliari Airport in Italy. The ENAC regulations state that the bearing capacity of runway strips must be designed based on the characteristics of both the critical aircraft and emergency vehicles which may transit on the runway. However, it does not specify a minimum bearing capacity value. Therefore, based on the instructions given by ENAC regulations, required values for both maximum deflection and minimum bearing capacity were determined using a Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation to design runway strips. In particular, a non‐linear analysis was conducted with FEM to simulate the mechanical behavior of granular soil under high instantaneous pressures. The paper explains how the theoretical analysis was conducted, which materials were tested, and how runway strips were designed. Before the construction, extensive on‐site testing was performed to validate the results obtained with the theoretical analysis. In particular, 122 series of single and double cycle bearing capacity plate and Light Weight Dropping (LWD) tests were performed. Results from these tests were used to define critical areas and to estimate any degree of correlation between the bearing capacity plate and LWD tests. The theoretical and experimental analyses carried out on this case study have enabled a design criterion and facilitated the rebuilding of the emergency strips of the Cagliari Airport in Italy, conforming to regulations specified by the ENAC. The results obtained with the theoretical analyses were validated by performing extensive on‐site testing.