Testing of a Compacted Snow Runway (U)
Testing of a Compacted Snow Runway (U)

Author: James Arthur Bender

Publisher:

Published: 1956

Total Pages: 38

ISBN-13:

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The processing of the snow for the runway, by modified pulvimixers using heat, was started on 6 July and completely finished by 1 September. Successful landings on the 200 x 10,000 ft strip were made by C-47, C-54, and C-124 type aircraft. The conclusion that the strip could support these aircraft and the decision to land the planes were based on the laboratory testing. This report describes the methods and techniques used in testing a snow runway built on deep snow, and gives suggested requirements of a snow runway to support various type aircraft. It is not intended as a report on the operational aspects of making such a runway, nor as a critique on the techniques used. Also, it should be realized that this represents the beginning of a long-range program and that additional theoretical work and field work are still necessary. (Author).

Snow Stabilization Using Dry Processing Methods
Snow Stabilization Using Dry Processing Methods

Author: Albert F. Wuori

Publisher:

Published: 1960

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13:

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Experiments were made with several methods of dry processing and compacting snow on the Greenland Ice Cap. The Peter snow miller was used to process the snow initially, followed by compaction with vibratory compactors, rollers, and a D-8 tractor. The vibration frequency was found to have some effect on the degree of compaction with the vibratory compactors. Better results were obtained by precompacting with a roller before vibration. The best compaction was obtained using a D-8 tractor with low ground pressure tracks to compact the freshly processed Peter snow. Tests show that this method of processing may be adequate to produce a snow surface and base structure capable of supporting certain types of aircraft.

Deformation of Snow Under Rigid Plates at a Constant Rate of Penetration
Deformation of Snow Under Rigid Plates at a Constant Rate of Penetration

Author: Gunars Abele

Publisher:

Published: 1970

Total Pages: 76

ISBN-13:

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This report presents the results of a study performed on the behavior, particularly the deformation, of snow under a load applied to a rigid plate at a constant rate of penetration. The results will eventually be used in the development of design criteria for snow roads, runways, and foundations in the polar regions. The tests were conducted on snow samples having a high width/length ratio, simulating a two-dimensional case. The effect of snow density, plate size, and pressure on the deformation of snow below the load was investigated. The pressure-sinkage relationships and the bearing strength as functions of density were also investigated. (Author).

Snow Compaction - Design Criteria and Test Procedures
Snow Compaction - Design Criteria and Test Procedures

Author: E. H Moser (Jr)

Publisher:

Published: 1964

Total Pages: 38

ISBN-13:

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Techniques and equipment are presently available for producing high-strength snow capable of supporting wheeled aircraft with tire inflation pressures up to 75 psi and gross weights up to 75,000 lbs. Current investigations in Antarctic are directed toward increasing the load-bearing capacity of compacted-snow runways on deep perennial snowfields up to 150,000 lbs. Existing criteria are given for the design of compactedsnow roads and runways on annual and perennial snowfields. The limitations of these criteria require that they be applied with judgment. Improved test equipment, instruments, and procedures are being developed to test the properties and trafficability of compacted snow. (Author).

An Experimental Snow Runway Pavement in Antarctica
An Experimental Snow Runway Pavement in Antarctica

Author: Gunars Abele

Publisher:

Published: 1968

Total Pages: 25

ISBN-13:

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The strength properties of a Peter miller-processed and -compacted snow runway test strip at McMurdo, Antarctica, and the snow pavement performance during simulated C-130 and C-121 aircraft wheel-load tests are discussed and evaluated. The correlation of shear strength with ram hardness and unconfined compressive strength of high-density snow is discussed and an approximate relationship is developed. Data from actual aircraft and simulated aircraft wheel-load tests on snow pavements are compared with previously developed criteria for snow pavement supporting capacity. (Author).

Stress Analysis of the Phoenix Compacted Snow Runway to Support Wheeled Aircraft
Stress Analysis of the Phoenix Compacted Snow Runway to Support Wheeled Aircraft

Author: Ariana M. Sopher

Publisher:

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 12

ISBN-13:

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Landing wheeled aircraft on snow runways is uncommon and minimally documented. This report describes the modeling used to evaluate design and construction of the new compacted-snow Phoenix runway in Antarctica for the first wheeled C17 aircraft landing. Snow density from the target design and snow density of the as-built Phoenix runway structure were used to determine basic elastic parameters for use in layered elastic analysis formulation (LEAF). LEAF is part of a software package developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows for forward calculation of runway stress, strain, displacement, and associated principal stress and strain based on design aircraft loading. Stress responses for the Phoenix runway were modeled for the C17, A319, and B757 aircraft. Two construction vehicles were also modeled for comparison. Results show the comparison of the stress profiles and effect of subgrade stiffness on stresses in the layers just above the subgrade. This is the first time the model was used for a snow runway and it provided valuable insight for design, construction and runway performance for the first landing of the C17 on compacted snow. The model is flexible enough for simulating additional aircraft that might use the runway in the future. The successful construction and use of the new compacted-snow Phoenix runway is significant and demonstrates the heaviest wheeled aircraft (C17) operating on a compacted snow runway, ever.