Restoring a Decommissioned Runway
Originally constructed in the 1940s to support the training of U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, Barnwell Regional Airport now serves both commercial and military aircraft.
Runway 5/23 had been decommissioned for decades due to pavement deterioration. In 2014, PDC was selected to help restore the runway and return it to service.
The Approach
Pre-treatment testing was completed to determine the appropriate PDC application rate. The treatment was applied to the runway while the asphalt shoulders were intentionally left untreated, providing a visible comparison between the two surfaces.
The treated runway was tire-rolled 48 hours after application.
Leaving the shoulders untreated was a deliberate part of the project. It created a direct, visible side-by-side comparison of PDC-treated versus untreated asphalt on the same runway.
The Result
Runway 5/23 was successfully returned to service and now supports general aviation takeoffs and landings while also providing a contingency option for emergency landings.
The contrast between the treated runway and untreated shoulders demonstrates the rejuvenating effect of PDC on aging asphalt.
