This chapter describes some special applications of stone matrix asphalt (SMA). Several brief case studies illustrate some of the less common, though advantageous, ways SMA mixtures can be used and also suggest some areas where they should be used with caution.
According to a report by the European Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA), asphalt surfacing covers the majority of runways (EAPA, 2003). The high performance of SMA pavements has been attracting the attention of airport management, creating the chance to apply SMA technology in wearing courses of airfield pavements. Numerous trial sections have sprung up on various airfields (e. g., Sydney, Australia, and Johannesburg, South Africa). Some important, larger applications of SMA may be seen in Frankfurt on the Main, Germany, and Gardermoen near Oslo, Norway. The airfield in Frankfurt will be described in detail later on, not only for the SMA technology itself but for its application.
