Pouring Started on Runway 13/31

Construction crews began pouring panels on Runway 13/31 early last week. Pouring on the east side of the runway, south of the taxiway, is now finished, and workers have started removing panels on the west side of the runway. 

Steel rebar installed before pouring to add strength to the panels

In the photo above, concrete is being poured and compacted with a concrete vibrator. For this project, the vibrator is used once every square foot to increase the concrete's density and strength.

Concrete is leveled using a power screed, shown in the back of the photo above. The screed is connected to a motor which vibrates the concrete, increasing density and removing excess concrete. Concrete floats are used to smooth out the surface of the concrete after the screed. The photo above shows two hand floats and a bull float being used.

Above, samples of the concrete are being prepared. After 28 days, the samples will be put in a test chamber where they will be pressed on until they break. This will determine how much weight the new panels can hold and the weight limits for this runway.

Workers have now started removing panels on the south west side of the runway. Pouring on this part of the runway should start next week. After pouring is finished, subcontractors will begin repairing small cracks and mudballs on the runway.