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Published: 1967

Total Pages: 0

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An investigation was conducted at the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES) to evaluate a commercially fabricated, plastic mat designated as the T14. The mat is a sandwich-type structure fabricated from epoxy-impregnated, high-density, foam-filled, glass-reinforced core material and glass, filament-wound, glass-fiber facings impregnated with polyester resin. The panels have extruded aluminum side and end connectors secured to the panel edges by the filament winding female connectors. End connections are made with locking-type connectors that are secured by aluminum locking beams. The investigation consisted of both laboratory and engineering traffic tests to determine various properties of the mat in an overall evaluation for comparison with previously tested mats and with project requirements. The results of the laboratory tests indicated that the mat as fabricated failed to meet all technical design requirements of the technical specifications. However, since the mat represented a new design concept, it was traffic tested to complete the evaluation of the design and fabrication. During traffic tests, the T14 mat placed on a 4.2-CBR subgrade sustained a maximum of 12 coverages of a 25,000-lb single-wheel load with 250-psi tire pressure, thus failing to meet it was calculated that an 11.5-CBR subgrade would be required to support the mat for 200 coverages. In view of the more severe operational requirements for present-day airfield surfacing, it was concluded that a reevaluation of new plastic mat designs, fabrication techniques, and plastics technology should be made prior to procurement of any additional plastic loading mats for testing. (Author).