The aviation sector is entering a new era of pavement asset management—one that goes beyond traditional strength-based evaluation and moves toward performance-oriented, maintenance-focused, and lifecycle-aware methodologies. At the center of this shift lies the Pavement Classification Rating (PCR) system, an emerging approach that evaluates pavements holistically rather than relying solely on structural indices like PCN (Pavement Classification Number).
Translink Infrastructure Consultants Pvt. Ltd. is proud to be leading this transformation.
Why PCR Matters for Modern Airside Infrastructure
While PCN has long served as the global standard for expressing pavement load-carrying capacity, it does not fully capture:
- Surface distress
- Functional performance
- Environmental deterioration
- Safety-related surface conditions
- Predictive maintenance priorities
PCR enhances pavement evaluation by including all of these aspects, enabling airport authorities to:
- Prioritize maintenance with greater precision
- Improve safety and operational reliability
- Extend pavement service life through early intervention
- Optimize budgets using condition-based planning
PCR bridges the gap between structural adequacy and operational performance — a necessity in high-traffic, high-safety environments.
Translink’s Leadership in Airport Pavement Evaluation
With deep-rooted expertise in airport pavement engineering, Translink has taken a significant step toward standardizing PCR adoption in India. Our work includes:
- Developing customized PCR assessment frameworks tailored to airside conditions
- Conducting detailed surface distress surveys using standardized rating scales
- Integrating structural data, friction data, and surface condition indices
- Building maintenance prioritization matrices for long-term planning
- Establishing digital reporting formats aligned with international best practices
This expertise enables airport operators to transition from reactive repairs to predictive, data-driven pavement management.
Engaging with DGCA: Aligning National Standards
Recently, the Translink team held a detailed technical discussion with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to refine and standardize the PCN-to-PCR conversion process.
The session focused on:
- Methodologies for correlating structural capacity (PCN) with PCR ratings
- Integrating field evaluation data with design models
- Calibration approaches suitable for Indian climatic and operational conditions
- Creating a unified framework that can be adopted across airports
This collaboration marks an important step toward making PCR a nationally accepted, regulator-backed assessment method—ensuring consistency, safety, and transparency across the aviation sector.
Supporting Airport Developers & Operators Across India
Translink is currently working with major airport developers and operators to:
- Conduct PCR surveys for runways, taxiways, and aprons
- Standardize asset condition databases
- Prepare multi-year airside pavement management plans
- Establish baseline performance indices for expansion projects
These efforts are enabling airports to optimize O&M budgets, extend pavement life, and maintain operational readiness in a rapidly evolving aviation market.
Conclusion: Building the Next Generation of Airside Infrastructure
As Indian aviation continues to expand, maintaining reliable and high-performance airside pavements is more critical than ever. By advancing PCR adoption and collaborating with DGCA, Translink is contributing to a future where:
- Pavement evaluation is scientific
- Maintenance planning is predictive
- Asset management is lifecycle-optimized
- Safety is enhanced through better insights
This is technical excellence in action—combining engineering depth, data intelligence, and national collaboration to shape the future of runway and taxiway performance.