"Chattanooga, Tenn., airport's research could lead to lower costs nationally"

Saturday, February 26, 2005

Chattanooga, Tenn., airport's research could lead to lower costs nationally
The Chattanooga (TN) Times/Free Press


Keeping runways repaired and safe is one the biggest expenses airports face,
and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is embarking on research officials say
could cut those costs nationally.

"I think it's got huge ramifications for the entire industry," said Mike
Landguth, the Chattanooga airport's chief executive.

The airport is teaming with University of Tennessee researchers to use
long-range laser imaging and 3-D scanners to search for problems in runway
pavement.

Mongi Abidi, associate head of UT-Knoxville's electrical and computer
engineering department, said runway inspections typically are done visually.

"What we hope to do is a more methodical scan," he said.

David Page, an assistant professor in the department, said plans are to
connect equipment to the front of a vehicle and drive the airport's runways.

"We'll be looking for cracks in a runway. We'll look for differences and
changes in depth," he said, adding the laser technology sends out a pulse
which is measured by the equipment.

Dr. Page said the expectation is the scanners can offer a 10-fold increase
over typical visual inspections.

Mr. Landguth said maintaining runways is critical for safety but expensive
for airports. For example, Chattanooga's airport expects to spend $10
million to resurface its secondary runway in coming months.

"If successful, this helps us better understand the aging process," said the
airport official.

In turn, he said, officials should be able to predict maintenance needs and
take steps to extend the pavement's useful life.

The research effort, which has already begun, will last for about six
months. Researchers are using UT grant money for the project, which Dr.
Abidi estimated will cost about $50,000.

Mr. Landguth said the airport will provide "sweat equity" but no direct
funding.

Joe Ferguson of Chattanooga's Enterprise Center, which oversees high-tech
job-growth initiatives in the city, said the technology "could serve as a
significant cost-effective model for airports both nationally and
internationally."

U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said the airport-UT partnership reinforces how
East Tennessee's technology research can provide tangible rewards.

He said that as a biweekly traveler out of the airport, he is "encouraged
Chattanooga is making waves to advance transportation superiority."


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