Jackson MS Runway Rehab

Jackson Evers International Airport (JEIA) in Jackson, Mississippi, experienced pavement distress on Runway 16L-34R (East Parallel Runway) due to highly expansive clays, known locally as “Yazoo Clay” underlying the runway.  The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) retained HMM to analyze the runway pavement and provide a recommendation for rehabilitation for the Runway.  Of particular concern to JMAA was a section of the Runway known as “The Bump,” where vertical uplift of Yazoo Clay caused an area of vertical acceleration noticeable to pilots and air travelers.

During analysis of the runway, HMM and its sub-consultants noted that the pavement held water and the asphalt had stripped considerably as a result.  Ultimately, the design recommended by HMM and accepted by JMAA was full-depth removal of the asphalt in the center portion of the runway.  Additionally, HMM recommended the installation of an edge drain system in the runway shoulder to drain water that may become trapped in the pavement structure. 

In “The Bump” area, HMM recommended full-depth removal and replacement of all material to a depth of three feet below the existing pavement.  “The Bump” area was lime treated and backfilled with select material based on the recommendations of local geotechnical firm Burns, Cooley, Dennis, Inc.

HMM is also part of the team that has been selected by JMAA to analyze and provide rehabilitation recommendations for the West Parallel Runway at Jackson Evers International Airport in the near future.