مجموعة ٨٥/٥ "مطار في الظهران للقوات الجوية بالجيش الأمريكي: عرض لبناء مطار جديد في البحرين (الهملة)" [ظ‎‎٤‎١] (٥٢٢/٨٣)

DHAHRAN
APPENDIX A
DC 88050/1
30
Engineering Appreeiation
1. .General
Two runwa 3 r s (7,000 ft. long on bearing 3A5° and. 6,000 ft. on bearing 245°
each 150 ft. wide) with their associated taxi tracks (each 60 ft. wide) about
20.000 yds. super of standings, were completed by American A.A.F. engineer^ in
January, '1946, close to the site of an earlier R.A.F. airfield. Camp facilities
as noted in the general report, were completed at the same time,
2. Sub .Soil
The sub soil is rock outcropping at many points, and over laid by only a few
feet of laterite and sand; this rock appeared to be hard limestone, and was used
for macadam work on the runways and for building construction.
3. R unw ays, Tax i Tracks and Standings
Certain parts of these are constructed on rock; on all other parts the
minimum construction was stated to be to a total depth of 22" made up of 4”
premix macadam (machine laid) on 6” crushed rock, which in turn was on a minimum
of 12" of thoroughly consolidated (wet) laterite; in all cases when this
laterite was not founded on rock it was taken down to such a depth as to reach
fim well graded sand. Only limited consolidation of shoulders has been under
taken at places where drift sard was encountered.
It must be recorded that the above information was given verbally on site,
and that it was impossible to obtain any check on it from record drawings.
All surfaces are in excellent condition, and indicate first class workmanship
the application of a seal coat this summer will finally complete the job.
All surfaces will safely carry a 135,000 lbs. aircraft, and, I consider,
a 200,000 lbs. aircraft; since the original basis of design was stated to be
120.000 lbs. and the field is under American Control, it would be essential to
obtain the concurrence of the appropriate American authorities to this higher
loading.
4. Possib le Extension s
From a physical point of view, both runways can be extended to Class B
lengths with a slight change in gradient at the north end of the 345° runway.-
the existing runways are practically level. The execution of such extensions
would present considerable difficulties as the American construction force has
been withdrawn together with its serviceable equipment. The introduction of
Contractors organisation and plant would, therefore, be necessary, resulting in
disproportionately high costs for a small amount of work; furthermore, American
and Saudi Arabian interests would have to be taken into consideration.
Very approximately the costs for provision of Class B facilities on 345°
runway would be:-
To extend one runway to 8,085 ft. and widen to
200 ft., extend one taxi track and widen it to
80 ft. (all in construction similar to existing).
Time would be about 9 months.
Alternatively, runway extended in length only could
be executed with a comparatively minor organisation
at a cost of:
It is suggested that the field be accepted as fulfilling Class C requirements,
even with taxi track width of 60 feet.
£ 350,000
£ 100,000
3.2.47.