Pavement Evaluation & Design

Our pavement design and evaluation services meet the needs for all types of traffic requirements. Our engineers have a comprehensive understanding of pavement design and evaluation standards from government agencies and industries including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the military. We stay on top of changes and emerging technology in pavement design methods and materials. Our designs incorporate energy and material conservation, as well as environmental consequences as part of sustainable design principles. Our proficiency in widely-used design software such as FAARFIELD, DARWin-ME, and PCASE makes it possible to deliver designs on time, on budget, and based on a solid engineering foundation.

A key element in pavement rehabilitation is to obtain engineering data regarding the existing pavements in a timely and cost-effective manner. We can provide our NDT services to fulfill that need. We maintain two Heavy Falling Weight Deflectometer (HWD) machines that conform to the FAA and applicable ASTM standards. The equipment can be mobilized across the United States and abroad. Testing can usually be performed with minimal or no interference to normal traffic operations. Test data can be used for qualitative comparison of in-situ pavement strength and for quantitative analysis of engineering properties. Research has verified that design parameters obtained through NDT data analysis are reliable.

RDM frequently uses data provided by conventional pavement cores and soil borings to evaluation the current pavement and subgrade conditions to design the best pavement section for those conditions. If cores have not been obtained, RDM has performed NDT to determine the best locations to obtain the representation for the condition of the existing pavement. This avoids wasted cores in areas that don’t reflect the full pavement picture.

RDM operates a pavement core rig to allow a fast response time in obtaining pavement thickness and compositions. This data is frequently used in our PCN calculations, but can also be valuable when choosing the best pavement rehabilitation strategy between a mill and overlay or a full-depth replacement project.

Pavement Maintenance & Management

Pavements are a critical element of the infrastructure and provided an important role in our economy. A well-maintained pavement system is a must to provide satisfactory service to the users. Our goal is to help our clients build and maintain a robust pavement management system. Using state-of-the-art industry technology, equipment, and software, our professionally trained team can provide a clear picture of the current functional and structural pavement condition and beyond. A comprehensive maintenance program can be established with time, measures, and budgets based on sound engineering analysis. We have successfully delivered over more than 200 pavement management systems both civilian and military airports, highways, and seaports. A pavement management system provides direction on the maintenance and repairs that provide the greatest value for the funds allocated.

Condition survey is a basic component of pavement management systems. The results can be presented in a fashion that is tailored to your needs, which is a benefit for preparing funding requests. Our staff is industry certified to conduct condition surveys with extensive experience in civilian and military airfields, roadways, and seaports. Our condition surveys conform to the FAA’s Advisory Circular 150/5380-6C, ASTM D5340 and ASTM D6433. We use the widely adopted pavement management software, PAVER, to process the survey data. RDM is also a PAVER and FAA’s PAVEAIR beta test site. With the use of our GPS enabled survey devices, the process becomes more accurate and efficient. Increasing efficiency when conducting surveys reduces the impact to normal facility operations. The GPS survey device allows all distress data to be geographically located and quantities automatically calculated. The ability to automatically import recorded data into the pavement management software expedites the process and eliminates the chance of human error.

Once the condition survey is complete, RDM will project the expectation pavement deterioration over the next several years and provide recommendations on maintenance and rehabilitation programs to insure pavements are in a safe and useful condition. RDM prepares complete project and looks at the entire network – not just a specific area – when creating our recommendations. By having projects planned and budgeted into the future, allows agencies to maximize their funding and possibly apply for discretionary Grants to meet their needs.

Civil Engineering Design

RDM provides a full range of civil design services for airports, roadways, parking facilities and military installations. RDM has designed runways, taxiways, ramps and service roads at some of the largest airports in the United States. RDM takes into account whole project and ensures everything meets the intent of the FAA Advisory Circulars and standards.

Investigation & Research

Our experience and “hands-on” approach enables us to focus our pavement research efforts on practical
application and implement-able results. This experience provides insight to issues that arise during the design or construction of various types of pavements. To date, we have conducted pavement related research on materials, structural pavement design, nondestructive testing, construction methods, roughness, and new materials for the FAA, state governments and commercial clients. These include airport pavement research projects on Hot Mix Asphalt (P-401), Portland Cement Concrete (P-501), airport pavement recycling, asphalt binder selection, mechanistic design methods, etc. Our work has been used to update or develop FAA standards and Advisory Circulars regarding airport pavement materials, design procedures, and recycling methods.

Investigations have included a review of materials suppliers in the vicinity of pavement projects to assure that materials meet all specification requirements and will not result in problem pavement such as ASR. This preventative approach decreases the chances of replacing a pavement shortly after it was installed.

 

RDM has worked with the FAA for close to two decades in the development or study of many airport related issues. RDM assisted with the creation of FAA’s PaveAIR system and has worked with the William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, NJ on initiatives such as NDT and effects of tire pressures on airfield pavements.

There are many potential ways that pavements may fail prematurely. A pavement that is designed for a 20-year life and fails after only a few years is a waste to the owner and the users. RDM has provided expert investigation, reporting and testimony regarding early failures across the country. RDM has determined if there were deficiencies in the Design, Materials or construction of the failed section. Many times, this failure can be attributed to multiple reasons. If you have a pavement showing signs of early failure, we can help determine the reason(s) and provide support for repair recommendations.

Every pavement design performed RDM is unique to the facility. This includes the materials selection and specification to avoid issues such as ASR and ensuring adequate support for the traffic conditions. We have provided research to the FAA regarding pavement mixes and the materials that go into those mixes. Many of these are now the standards for use on Grant funded airport projects.

Aviation Planning

RDM now provides professional services to meet all of your aviation planning needs. Our staff has performed work internationally and in the United States on civilian and military facilities. We provide a holistic approach to planning that incorporates all elements of your airfield including airspace and alternatives to provide a wide range of opportunities when it comes to your airport.

RDM is well-versed in traditional as well as e-ALP’s utilizing the FAA’s online portal. Our experience includes FAA, ICO and DoD guidelines. We work with your FAA ADO and Regional offices to provide a comprehensive plan, consistent with funding priorities.

With so many regulations regarding airspace, it is important to know that all approach surfaces are clear and your airport maintains the lowest minima possible for your airfield. RDM has worked with all FAR Part 77 surfaces and can provide a realistic plan for dealing with obstructions and making sure any problems areas are cleared quickly.

RDM has experience providing both new and updated Master Plans. We collect a detailed airport inventory, update the latest traffic forecasts and then developing a plan that meets the long-term needs of the airport and its tenants. RDM works to help position the airport to maximize growth while protecting and preserving all vital assets.

Geographic Information System

One of the most complex aspects of managing pavements is having a strong understanding of the pavement network and the geographic location and size of all pavements. Integrating GIS with pavement management combines all of the data with a spatial database. Linking the GIS with the data in PAVER allows the data to be linked and incorporated into a larger GIS database. Our NDT equipment is capable of recording GPS locations that can be linked with the pavement survey data and incorporated in any GIS database. Our goal is to help you integrate pavement related data into you’re A-GIS system to create a “one stop data shop”.

As the FAA continues to increase the use and functionality of the Airports-GIS web portal, it will be more important than ever to assure that the information is correct and up-to-date. RDM has provided comparisons of the actual v. “on-file” information to assure that the correct information is provided to the FAA and your users. RDM has incorporated pavement information such as Pavement Condition and NDT data with existing databases.

Construction Management & Service Support

RDM has been providing full-service Construction Administration Services for the past five years. Our CM team brings extensive experience in both design and construction of pavements, so they literally know the construction process from the ground up! RDM works with engineers and contractors to ensure all design criteria are met and quality is never sacrificed. RDM’s construction support services include constructability reviews, value engineering, CSPP and 7460 preparation, pavement material submittal review, construction scheduling, construction observation/documentation, trouble shooting, and dispute resolution. With a strong understanding of design goals and construction practices, we assist design professionals and owners with development of construction details and specifications for inclusion in contract bid documents that set realistic criteria while ensuring the highest quality.

RDM tailors material specifications to the specific needs of the project based on location, sub-grade characteristics and anticipated traffic loads. This results in a pavement section prepared for the location and its conditions. One size does not fit all at RDM.

RDM provides video and photo documentation of large worksites with our small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS or Drone) to cover large areas quickly while keeping the “big picture” in sight. RDM has obtained waivers from the FAA allowing sUAS operations at night to document night construction operations and methods such as off-peak paving.

RDM has prepared CSPP’s for several FAA airfield projects. RDM provided the design services or assisted other firms with their plans. Our experience on Runways, Taxiways and Aprons provides us with unique insights to accomplishing projects on-time while maintaining a safe work area. RDM was very proud have our CSPP submission reviewed by the FAA with no comments on the plan.

RDM has utilized our experience to provide constructability reviews on all types of projects during the design process. Our Construction Engineers make sure the “horse is in front of the cart” and that a project can be successfully completed with few or no change orders. These reviews take an in-depth look at the phasing and scheduling in the plan documents to assure the assumptions are realistic and will result in a bid package that reflects the costs of construction.

RDM can provided any level of construction monitoring that may be required for your project. No matter if you need a “Construction Inspector”, a “Construction Engineer” or a “Construction Manager”, we have the right people for your project. We have performed services on Runways, Roadways, Taxiways and Terminals. Our inspectors use the latest technology to capture progress and advise the project status in real-time. Photos, video, and a full record of documentation will help all stakeholders know the status of the project on a regular basis.

Making certain that the contractor team is providing the specified materials is critical to a high-quality finished product. RDM reviews all submittals from the contractor team to assure that the materials meet the needs of the project and will perform adequately. Should any changes be requested or required, RDM will assist with fully vetting any changes to make sure the final product is not compromised.

RDM can provide or review the pavement mix design to assure the pavement will meet the operational needs of the facility. We frequently work with the materials provider to assure all parameters of the design are correct and a workable mix is provided. Our team also observes the Pavement Test Strip and the methods used by the contractor. This can – and has – resulted in improved pavement placement methods to provide a high-quality pavement, right from the start.

With “just in time” material delivery be used more and more, it is critical to have a realistic schedule that accounts for long-lead time items and sees problems before they develop. RDM has worked with owners and contractors to keep projects on schedule despite significant weather and FAA impacts. We account for those FAA factors in the program schedule and work to eliminate nebulous or unknown components as early as possible.

By designing and specifying construction projects, we know what to look for with the QA/QC testing on our projects. This allows to watch for problems that inevitably arise and our engineers can provide potential solutions before adverse impacts to the schedule occur. RDM reviews all of the required test results, as well as the test methods, to ensure all items meet the specifications to the fullest extent possible

RDM has served in many roles on numerous projects, providing our firm with insights that help to mediate conflicts and offer solutions that are acceptable to all parties. We know from experience with Design, Construction Administration and as the Owner’s Rep where all sides stand on an issue. We work to provide an equitable solution that preserves the best interests of the project, as well as the schedule and budget.

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to track down a key document that has been misplaced or incorrectly filed. RDM provides a unique and specific document control plan for each project to meet the specific needs of the owner and to assure all communications are captured and properly filed for later retrieval.

Accurate cost estimates are needed to program for Grant funds, prepare adequate matching funds and provide accurate Engineer’s Estimates for bid purposes. RDM’s experience provides our team with insights on cost estimates and the market driving costs for the project. During construction, we track quantities, materials in progress on a daily basis to keep track of the project budget. If there are unexpected conditions or change orders, they are discussed, estimated and fully track to make sure the owner gets maximum value for their budget.

RDM reviews contractor bid forms to ensure all items are correctly accounted and that the bid is not unbalanced. RDM confirms all calculations and extensions so that there is no discrepancy when the contract is awarded. A candid discussion with the contractor is scheduled to understand all assumptions and cost factors before construction starts.

Documenting progress can be difficult on large project sites. RDM provides small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS or Drones) to adequately capture the current project status and work areas. By using digital technology for these HD progress videos, RDM can provide digital photographs for documentation and use in status reports.