New Report Explores the Latest Findings on Safety, Durability and Performance

New report explores the latest findings on safety, durability and performance

The Airport Concrete Pavement Technology Program (ACPTP) and the National Concrete Pavement Technology (CP Tech) Center have released a new report, "Effects of Diamond Grinding on Airfield Concrete Pavements." Sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the report addresses industry concerns regarding restrictive specifications, surface durability and long-term performance.

Why diamond grinding?

Diamond ground surfaces demonstrate exceptional performance over extended periods. Research confirms these surfaces maintain critical texture properties and do not generate foreign object debris (FOD) when proper grinding techniques are employed.

In addition, grinding eliminates surface distress to restore skid resistance and smoothness. This process extends the service life of quality concrete without compromising structural capacity.

Practical application for airport professionals

Current FAA and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) grinding specifications typically target new construction. Strict enforcement of depth limits on existing pavements creates operational challenges. This research delivers guidance to airport personnel, engineering consultants and contractors for deeper grinding applications required to address significant surface defects.

Drawing from site visits, stakeholder interviews and case studies at 13 airports across the United States and Canada, the report confirms that diamond-ground surfaces—including those more than 30 years old—consistently maintain texture and do not create FOD.

The IGGA recognizes diamond grinding as a proven strategy for restoring surface characteristics and extending pavement service life, particularly when applied to durable, structurally sound pavements with suitable distress levels. The report goes beyond offering guidance for deeper grinding by also providing methodologies for selecting appropriate candidate pavements, evaluating concrete quality and planning effective grinding operations. Understanding the microstructural properties of concrete enables informed decisions regarding grinding depth and area limitations to ensure operational safety.