MENU

Reference Library

Soilworks products are the industry’s top standard due to our insistence on creating high performance soil stabilization and dust control products that stand up to rigorous testing – both in the lab and in the field. Our commitment to quality and performance has led to our involvement and testing in hundreds of real-world situations. The following library of reports, presentations, specifications, approvals and other similar documents provide you, our customer, the transparency and dependable assurance that is expected from Soilworks.

NAVFAC Airfield Spraying (TPD0807034)

Summary

This presentation from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) evaluates the proposed replacement of AM-2 matting with a spray-applied polymer for expeditionary airfield stabilization. The objective was to create jet-capable coral or asphalt runways by spraying a polymer binder over the full surface. However, tests revealed critical issues with unapproved products, including significant reductions in skid resistance, unpredictable sand application rates, and increased potential for foreign object debris (FOD). Aircraft touch-and-go tests and ground trials confirmed the operational risks, and the Tri-Service community (Navy, Army, Air Force) ultimately opposed full-scale use due to safety concerns and lack of field validation.

The issues encountered in this study highlight the need for purpose-engineered airfield stabilization products with proven military performance. Soiltac and Durasoil—manufactured by Soilworks—have been extensively tested and field-validated under Department of Defense and ERDC programs. Soiltac, a copolymer emulsion, provides high-strength soil binding and erosion resistance for helipads and runway shoulders, while Durasoil, a synthetic organic fluid, delivers safe, non-tracking dust suppression compatible with rotary- and fixed-wing operations. For military engineers and expeditionary construction teams, Soilworks offers mission-tested solutions that address safety, FOD prevention, and surface durability without compromising aircraft performance. Contact Soilworks for deployment guidance aligned with Tri-Service standards.

AM-2 Matting for Expeditionary Airfields

  • Marine Wing Support Squadrons task organized to build EAFs with AM-2 matting. AM-2 matting includes:
    • 6’ and 12’ x 2’aluminum sheets
    • Accessory clamps, connectors, spacers and tool kit
  • Large footprint, manpower intensive

Proposed Replacement for AM-2 Matting

  • The U.S. Navy was notified on 16 October 2001 of the USMC need for a replacement to AM-2 matting and a solution to make coral runways jet-capable.
  • USMC 1 MAW proposed using a spray product to cover the whole runway for AM-2 replacement.
  • The product chosen to cover the asphalt runway was to be a concrete crack repair material, Penatron 4034, then was changed to an asphalt joint/crack filler, Penatron 4036, that was to be modified during the testing, then back to a modified Penatron 4034E
  • While these products have been accepted to fill cracks and complete minor repairs, they have not been used sprayed over whole runways.

Tri-Service Position

  • The U.S. Navy, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, after consulting with the Army ERDC, and the Air Force HQ AFCESA detailed the Tri-Service opposition to the use of such products to cover a runway due to the following concerns:
    1. Loss of skid resistance
    2. Unknown effect on foreign object debris
    3. Safety risk to aircraft and personnel,
    4. Extrapolation of test results to higher pressure tires
    5. Usage of untested products not developed for asphalt
    6. The apparent belief that the spraying would increase bearing capacity

Spray Application for Car Tests

  • Prep (clean) surface
  • Sand is broadcast by shaking it out of cans
  • Product is sprayed

Car Tests on Sprayed Area

The product seemed to:

    • Not cure for long periods of time
    • Significantly reduce skid resistance
    • Have no apparent effect on foreign object debris.
  • To compensate for skid resistance loss, sand was broadcast over the pavement, however,
    • required sand application rate was unknown
    • actual sand application rate was unknown
    • effect of sand on generating foreign object debris was unknown.
  • The car skidded on the sprayed area and stopped on the untreated area
  • The sprayed area had previously been thoroughly cleaned/scrubbed, whereas the unsprayed area had not – even then, only 1 (one) very small aggregate was found to dislodge from the untreated area – this was called SUCCESS ! (i.e. proof that sprayed polymer prevented FOD)

Aircraft Tests on Sprayed Area

  • Guam airfield
  • Sand broadcasted
  • Polymer sprayed
  • Since loss of skid resistance was a concern, no landings were completed, only touch-and-go
  • 72 touch-and-go on sprayed area, 2 on untreated area

Results of Aircraft Tests

“Proof” that spraying worked:

1 (one) aggregate came out of untreated surface

“Slight” problem: Significant amounts of sand delaminated from a heavily sanded sprayed area that received insufficient quantities of product (worse FOD potential)

Read More >

NAVFAC Airfield Pavement Spraying (downloadable PDF)

Complete the form below to download this document now.

Download Now
News & Updates Subscribe
×

Subscribe for Updates

(800) 545-5420

Subscribe for News & Updates