Runway excursions: Bearing strength measurement concerns

This paper deals with the application of an old device and its measuring procedures for the bearing strength assessment of unpaved airport surfaces. Pros and cons relating to the current needs and restrictions put upon airport authorities are investigated and discussed in detail. Having suggested that the greatest drawback is the lack of reading in internationally accepted units, the device is correlated with equipment primarily designed to do so, but with the design and the procedure unacceptable for meeting operational needs.