Vanuatu’s Bauerfield International Airport Runway Repair

To an isolated South Pacific chain of islands that caters to tourists, a functioning airport is its lifeline. That’s why EZ Street cold asphalt, a permanent pothole repair material, was the perfect solution to a runway pavement problem at the Republic of Vanuatu’s lone commercial airport, Bauerfield International.

The airport handles planes as large as a Boeing 767, which requires runways big enough to accommodate landing gear that spans 10.9 m. As seen in these photos, a section of the landing strip pavement measuring 3 m in width and approximately 9.1 m in length needed to be replaced. Runway pavement repairs must be solid, durable and meet international aviation standards.

All of this is reason why EZ Street cold asphalt in bulk sacks was the ideal material for the job. International runway 39 and was in need of repair. At one end existed potholes and a depression had occurred in the touch down zone. We received a call in Melbourne from the airport and I flew out few weeks later to inspect. The bulk bags shipped from Melbourne 12 of these and arrived four weeks later in Vanuatu.

A compact excavator was used to clear the area of broken pavement, a forklift was used to bring in the one Tonne bulk sacks. When the area was cleaned of loose debris, two lifts were compacted in the area being repaired. The hand equipment required for this job included a jackhammer, brooms, shovels, rakes and asphalt lute. The area was prepared to a depth of 150 mm. EZ Street was placed in 50 mm layers, compacted upon each other.

EZ Street is used in many remote areas like Vanuatu where hot asphalt may not be available. As a cold mix sold in bulk sacks – which can be conveniently opened from the bottom – this product made the trip from Australia and was stored until needed. It can also be applied in wet conditions (as it was here) and still effectively tack to surrounding pavement.

The landing strip opened for incoming planes just 15 min after the job was completed – ensuring a safe landing for tourists who dependably keep the local economy humming.

Our Products

15 kg bag – 135299

The perfect quick grab solution. Its re-sealable top is an industry first and ensures zero waste. Perfect for small pothole repair and driveway repair jobs.

20 kg bag – 135302

Ideal for those pothole repair jobs that you don’t want to be left short on. Show us how tough you are… Try the 20 kg. An excellent pothole repair solution.

Tough 20 bucket | 20 kg – 128168

Is chock full of premium blend EZ Street cold asphalt. Simplify your handling, re-seal unused material and have a pothole free day.

Bulk & bulk bags | 128170 / 128171

Available in either 1 Tonne bulk bags or loose bulk asphalt stockpile, you can minimise your costs by purchasing EZ Street cold asphalt in this form.