en.Wedoany.com Reported - Powder River Construction (PRC) faced a six-week construction window for a regional airport runway project in northeastern Wyoming, requiring concrete slab replacement, joint sealing, and crack repair. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Gillette, Wyoming, the company completed the runway paving task within a tight schedule using WIRTGEN GROUP slipform pavers and on-site support from RDO Company.
During the airport runway closure, aircraft, personnel, and machinery had to be rerouted, making construction time strictly controlled with little room for rework. The concrete pavement must withstand the immense stress of aircraft takeoffs and landings, while environmental conditions such as strong winds, sleet, or snow can accelerate pavement deterioration. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets stringent standards for concrete mix design, surface smoothness, curing, and long-term durability, requiring contractors to achieve precise paving and target density.
The FAA facility pavement study aims to refine quality management processes and acceptance functions. Working in coordination with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the FAA requires paving teams to construct a smooth surface with adequate skid resistance to prevent damage to aircraft landing gear. Contractors must take core samples of the pavement to determine thickness, compressive or flexural strength, and ensure the concrete is free of defects.
The mix design and grade of concrete pavement are directly related to road strength and potential lifespan. Higher grades correspond to higher density. Airport runways require high-grade materials to withstand regular impact forces, and the paving concrete must undergo a specified number of compaction passes according to the mix design. Contractors may use machine control, telematics data, and real-time density sensors to regularly monitor pavement grade, avoiding rework and achieving accurate grade.
PRC owner Matt Walker and maintenance supervisor Mike Gross noted that the WIRTGEN GROUP slipform paver can continuously lay concrete, and its hydraulic system is easily accessible. Mike Gross stated that hydraulic line endpoints allow quick hose replacement within about 15 minutes by opening access panels. The WIRTGEN GROUP slipform paver and RDO on-site support helped the team improve consistency and reduce additional paving passes. The slipform paver's stringless capability reduces time-consuming measurement operations and supports a safer workflow.
Matt Walker emphasized that parts and services are available right at their doorstep, and this close support brings confidence. RDO Company defines its position in the slipform sector through brands and products related to concrete paving technology, including concrete slipform pavers and curb and gutter machines.
