Pavement Classification Number

Pavement Classification Number

PCN is an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standard

used in combination with the Aircraft Classification Number (ACN) to
indicate the strength of a runway, taxiway or apron. This helps to
ensure that they are not subjected to excessive wear and tear, thus
prolonging their usable life.
Pavement Classification Number

The PCN is the ACN of the most damaging aircraft that can use the pavement on a regular
basis (regular being defined by the operator). The PCN values are published in the
Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs), part AD (aerodromes).

The PCN is actually expressed as a five-part code, separated by forward-slashes,

describing the piece of pavement concerned.
Five-Part Code

The PCN is reported as a five-part code and includes the following information:

1. Numerical PCN Value

2. Pavement Type (R or F), Rigid or Flexible

3. Subgrade Category (A,B,C, or D)

4. Allowable Tire Pressure (W,X,Y, or Z)

5. Calculation Method (A or T), Aircraft or Technical

1. PCN numerical value

The first part is the PCN numerical value, indicating the load-carrying
capacity of the pavement. This is always reported as a whole number,
rounded from the determined capacity. The value is calculated based on a
number of factors, such as aircraft geometry and a pavement's traffic
patterns, and is not necessarily the direct bearing strength of the pavement.
Pavement type (R/F)

The second part is a letter: either an R or an F, depending on whether

the pavement itself is of a rigid (most typically concrete) or a flexible
(most typically asphalt) design.
 Subgrade Category
The third part is another letter from A to D
expressing the strength of what is
underneath the pavement section, known as
the subgrade. So a subgrade of A would be
very strong (e.g. like concrete-stabilised
clay). A subgrade of D would be very weak
(e.g. uncompacted soil).
Note: The California bearing ratio (CBR) is a penetration
test for evaluation of the mechanical strength of natural
ground, subgrades and base courses beneath new
carriageway construction. It is performed by measuring
the pressure required to penetrate soil or aggregate with
a plunger of standard area. The measured pressure is
then divided by the pressure required to achieve an equal
penetration on a standard crushed rock material. The
result is then multiplied by 100 and given as percentage.
 Subgrade Category
The rigid pavements have four subgrade
categories:
● A. High Strength – Subgrade k = 150
MN/m3 (All k values above 120
MN/m3).
● B. Medium Strength – k = 80 MN/m3
(For values between 60 and 120
MN/m3).
● C. Low Strength – k = 40 MN/m3 (For
values between 25 and 60 MN/m3).
● D. Ultra Low Strength – k = 20 MN/m3
(All k values below 25 MN/m3).
The flexible pavements have four subgrade
categories:
● A. High Strength – CBR 15 (All CBR
above 13%).
● B. Medium Strength – CBR 10 (For
CBR between 8% to 13%).
● C. Low Strength – CBR 6 (For. CBR
between 4% to 8%).
● D. Ultra Low Strength – CBR 3 (For
CBR below 4%).
Allowable Tire Pressure

The fourth part is either a letter, or a number with units expressing the
maximum tire pressure that the pavement can support. The letters that can be
used are:

● W (unlimited) - no tyre pressure limit.

● X (high) - maximum tyre pressure of 1.75 MPa.
● Y (medium) - maximum tyre pressure of 1.25 MPa.
● Z (low) - maximum tyre pressure of 0.5 MPa.
Calculation Method

The fifth part is a letter describing the method through which the first value
was obtained:

T indicates technical evaluation.

U indicates usage – a physical testing regime.
Example

PCN of 80/R/B/W/T means that

● the underlying pavement's value indicating load-carrying capacity is 80 (unitless)

● the pavement is rigid (R)
● the pavement is on a medium-strength subgrade (B)
● the pavement has no limit on tyre pressure (W)
● the value of 80 has been calculated through technical evaluation (T)
Real World PCN and ACN Scenarios
Let’s say your consultant has graciously provided a PCN code map of your airfield based on a subgrade
category ‘B,’ and a table of ACNs for mix of aircraft that corresponds to your subgrade category at the
airport. A charter pilot of a G-V calls to ask about pavement strength. You refer to your table and see that a
G-V has an ACN of 28. Your PCN map indicates that your runway, taxiway, and apron have PCN codes of
30. In this case, since you have all flexible pavements, you would tell the pilot that your pavement strength
is a 30/F/B/X/T. Since your PCN is greater than the ACN, your pavements can support the aircraft.

Conversely, the next day, you get a call from the pilot of a 737 who wants to fly in. Knowing your PCN is
30, you refer to the table and see that the 737 has an ACN of 45 for your subgrade category. If after telling
the pilot your PCN code, they still indicate that they are going to want to land, this should raise a red flag
and you may want to clarify or have them verify their intentions. (See table above for both examples)

It is always good practice to report what the PCN code is for the pavement to the pilot and not specifically
tell them your airport can support their aircraft. The pilot is responsible for determining whether they
should use the airport depending on a variety of factors including reported pavement strength.

The ACN-PCN method for pavement strength can become complex depending on the variations in your
airfield pavements, subgrades, and aircraft fleet mix. If you would like to discuss practical options and
tools to assist you regarding pavement strength, please reach out anytime.