Project Overview
Rajkot International Airport required validation of the structural readiness of its airside pavements and establishment of a PCN value aligned with expected aircraft operations and compliance requirements prior to opening.
Translink was engaged to conduct HWD testing and PCN evaluation for approximately 3.8 lakh sq.m of runway, taxiways, and apron areas to facilitate regulatory approval for commencement of commercial operations.
Scope of Work
Airside Pavement Assessment
Project Area (Sqmt.)
3.7 Lakh
Client
Dilip Buildcon Limited
Scope of Work
Airside Pavement Assessment
Project Area (Sqmt.)
3.7 Lakh
Client
Dilip Buildcon Limited
Challenges
A major challenge was the strict COD-linked timelines, which required completing testing and evaluation without delays.
As the pavement was newly constructed, limited performance history meant the PCN had to rely entirely on deflection behaviour, material properties, and design inputs—demanding precise interpretation to avoid over- or under-estimating capacity.
Solutions
Translink deployed a well coordinated testing and evaluation workflow to meet COD-linked timelines, completing HWD surveys and data processing without interruption.
The engineering team cross-verified design inputs, construction records, layer thickness details, and subgrade parameters to build a consistent and reliable evaluation dataset.
Impact
The study enabled the airport to obtain timely approval for commercial operations, supported by a clear and defensible PCN profile for all airside pavements.
Accurate assessment helped the operator demonstrate readiness without rework or procedural delays, ensuring a smooth transition from construction to operational phase and avoiding both time and cost inefficiencies ahead of opening.
