Assessment of load capacity of the airport pavement structure with the use of the ACN-PCN method

The structures of the airport pavements are designed for defined operational time, assuming the predicted intensity and structure of the air traffic. The safety of air operations conducted by aircrafts on airport pavements depends mostly on their load capacity and design. Therefore, the load capacity inspections should be performed periodically, as the information about the current operational condition of the airport pavement is the basis for decisions on types of aircrafts allowed for traffic, as well as traffic intensity and dates of renovation or modernization works. Currently, the load capacity of airport pavements is assessed with the use of the ACN-PCN method, implemented by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). This article presents the method of determination and description of the PCN index.