The Pavement Classification Rating (PCR) is used to assess the load bearing capacity of the pavement with a defined fleet mix and traffic level. The ICAO adopted the new rating system to replace the existing ACN-PCN system in November 2024. Through a combination of intrusive and non-intrusive survey technologies, PCR surveys form a critical part of infrastructure asset management, utilising Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), coring, and Unbound Material Sampling (UMS), to form a comprehensive structural evaluation. We operate a full suite of PCR survey technologies in house to ensure a cost-effective solution can be delivered with minimal disruption.
Key Objectives
PCR surveys support several objectives:
- Structural pavement evaluation - determine the maximum aircraft weight the pavement can safely support by assessing load-bearing capacity, layer composition, and material properties
- Ensuring compliance - airfield operators must publish a PCR so operators can compare against the Aircraft Classification Rating (ACR) of industry aircraft to ensure safe operation of infrastructure. PCR surveys are a requirement under ICAO and UK CAA regulations
- Supporting operational planning & maintenance - identify pavements that may require weight restrictions, support overload operations, or identify rehabilitation requirements as part of long-term asset management planning
Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD)
Can we identify the performance of paved assets with respect to structural condition? Can we determine how many years usage we have left or what maintenance interventions and overlays could be used to prolong the life of flexible pavements? Construction monitoring solutions are key, and we operate the largest fleet of accredited Dynatest HWD’s in the UK! Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) is a non-destructive technique used to assess the structural capacity and performance of pavements by measuring their deflection under a load. Data is also vital to determining if the structural capacity of a new pavement is fit for purpose during the design phase. We operate:
- 3 x Heavy Weight Deflectometers – applying a test load in the range of 30 – 240kN
- 1 x Falling Weight Deflectometer – applying a test load in the range of 30 – 120kN
- 1 x Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer – the FastFWD is an accelerated version of the traditional FWD, designed to apply loads up to 5x quicker per drop cycle, enabling real-time simulation of long-term traffic affects. XAIS-PTS operate the only FastFWD in the UK!
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HWD benefits and applications include:
- Assess the remaining life of the pavement and assess the impact of increasing road volumes, traffic types or load capacities on the future life and quality of the pavement
- Evaluate pavement rehabilitation and overlay requirements
- Report layer moduli (stiffness), deflection, curvature and sub-grade CBR
- Conduct ‘whole of life’ and economic cost benefit analysis of alternate pavement designs
- Provide quality assurance assessment of recent works against design life criteria
- Complete joint sealing evaluation
- Undertake void detection
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Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-destructive pavement survey technique for identifying the thickness of the different paving layers, voids, or areas of damage. This method of subsurface profiling uses electromagnetic pulses transmitted into the pavement, and when the pulse encounters a change in material properties (e.g. pavement layer, pipe, reinforcement bar, etc.) the energy bounces off the target and returns to a receiving antenna. This returning signal is recorded as single line scans, colour coded, and stacked to create a detailed subsurface profile.
Our 3D GPR multi-channel array, which operates at traffic-speed, overcoming the limitations and expense of more traditional methods, can determine pavement make up, thickness of individual layers, construction changes, services, voids, and high moisture locations. This survey technique delivers numerous and significant benefits for our clients by providing a greater understanding of the sub-surface make-up and condition of paved network assets, as well as providing a safer and more cost-effective survey methodology. We can support you with your projects from small schemes to full network coverage.
We also utilise the latest Proceq GPR Subsurface GS8000, which provides intuitive real-time visualization in 2D and 3D alongside superior data clarity. The GS8000 is a light weight and easy to use GPR device perfect for providing single line scans in remote locations where traffic-speed surveys are not possible.
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GPR benefits and applications include:
- Pavement thickness measurement
- Subsurface void detection
- Evaluating pavement integrity
- Detection of reinforcement steel (rebar)
- Assessing subgrade conditions
- Locating underground utilities
- Foundation layer evaluation
- Monitoring pavement deterioration over time
- Filter drain assessments
- Bridge deck inspections
- Layer interface mapping
- Detecting water infiltration
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Pavement Coring
Coring is the process of drilling cylindrical samples (cores) from an existing pavement structure — whether asphalt, concrete, or composite — to examine, test, and evaluate the materials and layer structure of the pavement. It is a standard and essential practice in pavement investigation, quality control, and rehabilitation design, and we drill, reinstate, log, and analyse over 10,000 pavement core samples annually. We work with our clients and other stakeholders to minimise disruption during site works often deploying multiple plant on projects to maximise efficiency.
We are capable of drilling to 1m in depth through bituminous and cementitious layers with core barrel diameters of 100mm, 150mm, 200mm and 300mm. Operatives use tailored mobile data capture systems to record details on site including accurate locational / GPS co-ordinate information and high-quality photographs of the core extraction process.
Ground bearing capacity and the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) can be determined by Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) testing. We also deliver tar testing in the form of PAK-Marker and PAH testing, which is undertaken in-house to ensure a comprehensive pavement evaluation is undertaken in a timely fashion. We maximise safety, efficiency and quality of service, fulfilling client needs by providing clarity of performance and responsibility, value for money, and contract control. All the information gathered during on site investigations is analysed in our UKAS accredited materials testing laboratory to provide clients with detailed and accurate pavement reports and asset management insights.
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Delivering service enhancements
Core sampling allows engineers and contractors to analyse the physical, chemical, and structural properties of tested pavements and subgrade materials, with standard reporting traditionally consisting of site plans, tabular reporting, and photographs. Through an innovative approach we have implemented an interactive cloud-based system, allowing clients to access data results on any licensed device and in any location. Our XA© suite of software is GIS-based, and delivers spatial analysis and mapping of coring results in as near real-time as possible.
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Our clients are able to:
- Visualise sample locations on interactive maps, improving spatial understanding of conditions
- Identify trends and inconsistencies across the network, e.g. if tar-bound material is found in one location, adjacent road sections can be flagged as areas for further investigation
- Integrate sample data with other infrastructure datasets, providing a holistic view of asset conditions
- Export GIS-compatible reports for further analysis, ensuring compatibility with client systems
- Correlate test results with environmental factors such as weather patterns to understand how flooding is affecting the tested locations
- Apply topographical analysis tools to predict asset degradation over time
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Unbound Material Sampling (UMS)
Building strong foundations starts with the right materials and Unbound Material Sampling (UMS) is the process of collecting and testing materials not bound by cement, bitumen, or other binding agents — such as gravel, crushed rock, sand, and soil — to assess their suitability for construction. UMS plays a crucial role in ensuring the performance, durability, and safety of roads, pavements, and other civil engineering structures including airport runways, taxiways and aprons. Our UMS procedures are carried out in accordance with BS 5930:2015 – Code of Practice for Ground Investigations and IAN 73/06, Section 4 – Draft Design Standard HD 25: Pavement Foundations. UMS contributes directly to PCR surveys and is used in conjunction with other testing methods such as GPR.
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UMS benefits and applications include:
- Quality assurance – confirming that delivered or placed materials meet the required project specifications
- Design confidence – verifying that materials have the strength and stiffness needed for long-term performance
- Regulatory compliance – demonstrating adherence to key standards including BS EN 932, BS EN 1097, and ASTM D75 for aggregate sampling
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Delivering service enhancements
UMS allows engineers and contractors to analyse the physical, chemical, and structural properties of tested materials, with standard reporting traditionally consisting of site plans, tabular reporting, and photographs. Through an innovative approach we have implemented an interactive cloud-based system, allowing clients to access data results on any licensed device and in any location. Our XA© suite of software is GIS-based, and delivers spatial analysis and mapping of UMS results in as near real-time as possible.
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Our clients are able to:
- Visualise sample locations on interactive maps, improving spatial understanding of conditions
- Identify trends and inconsistencies across the network, e.g. if tar-bound material is found in one location, adjacent road sections can be flagged as areas for further investigation
- Integrate sample data with other infrastructure datasets, providing a holistic view of asset conditions
- Export GIS-compatible reports for further analysis, ensuring compatibility with client systems
- Correlate test results with environmental factors such as weather patterns to understand how flooding is affecting the tested locations
- Apply topographical analysis tools to predict asset degradation over time
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Why choose XAIS-PTS?
At XAIS-PTS our team has a wealth of experience, and we deliver comprehensive pavement investigations across major airport and airfield infrastructure. We also deliver a wide variety of asset management surveys, software, professional services, programme development & design, materials testing, and certification services.
If you have any questions or queries about our services, please contact us today – our team will be more than happy to have a conversation with you regarding your project requirements!