Airport operators and paving contractors have long faced a common challenge: maintaining asphalt longitudinal joints. These joints, found where paving lanes meet, are often more vulnerable to water intrusion, oxidation, and premature deterioration than the surrounding pavement.
To help address this issue, a new industry manual has been released that provides practical guidance for maintaining and repairing longitudinal joints on airport runways and taxiways.
Developed through the Airport Asphalt Pavement Technology Program, a partnership between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), the manual brings together years of research, field testing, and contractor experience.
Why Longitudinal Joints Matter
Longitudinal joints are often one of the first areas of asphalt pavement to show signs of distress. As moisture penetrates these joints, it can accelerate pavement aging, weaken structural performance, and increase maintenance costs.
While current FAA specifications already require certain joint construction and treatment methods, industry experts say airports can benefit from additional guidance on long-term preservation strategies.
The new manual provides a structured approach for evaluating joint conditions and selecting the most effective maintenance solution based on the severity of deterioration.
A Practical Guide for Airport Engineers
The publication outlines recommended repair and preservation techniques for different stages of pavement distress.
For minor cracking, crack sealing can help prevent water infiltration and slow further deterioration. Moderate damage may require partial-depth repairs to restore pavement performance, while severe joint failures may call for full-depth reconstruction.
The goal is to help airport maintenance teams make more consistent decisions and address problems before they become costly repairs.
Emerging Materials Show Promise
In addition to traditional maintenance methods, the manual highlights several newer materials that could improve joint durability and extend pavement life.
Among the products being evaluated are:
- Void Reducing Asphalt Membranes (VRAM)
- Rapid Penetrating Emulsions (RPE)
- Mastic sealants
- Joint adhesives
- Penetrating sealers
Researchers say early results have been encouraging, particularly in reducing water infiltration and slowing crack development.
Ongoing Field Testing
The manual was developed through a collaboration involving the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), Applied Pavement Technology, and Iowa State University.
As part of the research effort, test sections were constructed in Alabama and Kentucky to evaluate the long-term performance of newer joint preservation materials. These projects will continue to provide valuable data on durability, cracking resistance, and moisture protection under real-world conditions.
Supporting Longer Pavement Life
Industry leaders say the new guide is designed to bridge the gap between research and everyday maintenance operations.
By providing clear repair criteria, treatment selection guidance, and practical field recommendations, the manual gives airport owners, engineers, and contractors a roadmap for preserving asphalt pavements more effectively.
As airports continue to invest in infrastructure improvements, proactive maintenance of longitudinal joints may play an important role in reducing lifecycle costs and improving pavement performance for years to come.
