Multi-criteria model of runway pavement inspection policy using delay time modelling

The conservation status of asphalt pavements can have a direct impact on the use of aircraft and consequently on the safety of their users. The primary function that an airplane requires from airport asphalt pavements is related to landing and take-off processes. Therefore, for the complex operations of an airport to be properly conducted, an infrastructure is required that mainly considers the movement of aircraft, since the deterioration of pavements, either because of weather conditions or operational factors, is one of the recurring factors that is responsible for incidents involving aircraft on the ground. Thus, this article proposes a multi-criteria model for a pavement inspection policy, using Delay Time Modeling, to establish the optimal period of inspections at an airport in the Northeast of Brazil, focusing on cost and availability. An MCDM model based on MAUT was used to determine the inspection interval so that cost and availability attributes could be considered simultaneously.