Challenges in Renovation of Existing Runway and Its Extension—A Case Study

The study involves challenges faced in construction of runway pavements in the Northeastern part of India. These runways are very much important from strategic point of view. Most of these runways constructed during the Second World War were either renovated or extended many times. These runways though renovated and extended many times still require upgrading for easy and quick access to remote areas and to facilitate the movement of modern different types of aircraft as per PCN (Pavement Classification No.) and ICAO norms. Construction/renovation of these runways to keep them active for flying in all seasons is a major challenge especially during prolong heavy rainy seasons, floods, scarcity/non-availability of construction materials, skilled man power, etc. Apart from these problems, the other challenges faced are generation of actual profile of runway as per ICAO norm, laying of DBM as grade correction layer, laying of PQC layers without development of surface cracks, cutting of concrete joints, repair of cracks/broken slabs, and making of earthen shoulders/embankments before monsoon season. This paper attempts to present the issues related to quality control, quality assurance, and quality audit works carried out during the execution of the project.