01116595

Monograph

http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160656.aspx

This synthesis study is intended to inform airport operators about the impacts of four common rubber removal methods on runways. Runway rubber removal is an essential function to maintain safe landing areas for the nation's aviation industry. The FAA requires that strict standards for runway skid resistance by attained and maintained at all airports. One technique that has been used successfully throughout the world to enhance runway skid resistance is the cutting of grooves in the surface of those areas of the runway where touchdown and braking are critical. The use of grooved runways provides an increased level of safety by furnishing enhanced drainage through increased pavement macrotexture, which reduces the potential for hydroplaning when runways are wet. Buildup of rubber fills the micro- and macrotexture of the pavement, causing a serious loss of skid resistance when the runway is wet, and as a result must be periodically removed. There are four methods to remove runway rubber: waterblasting, chemical removal, shotblasting, and mechanical means (including sand blasting, scraping, brooming, milling, and grinding). The use of these methods varies across the country based on a number of reasons, ranging from environmental restrictions to the availability of competent rubber removal contractors. The research on these methods has not been comprehensive. Additionally, field experience has shown that if these methods are not properly applied they can cause damage to the runways and especially to the grooves. Much of the equipment that is in use is also proprietary, making it difficult for airport operators to develop standards and specifications that can be used to confidently achieve the desired end result. Thus, this report synthesizes the state of the practice in runway rubber removal. The information for the synthesis was gathered through a search of existing literature, survey results from questionnaires sent to airport operators and airlines, and through interviews conducted with airport operators.

Project 11-03, Topic S09-01

English

116p

2008

ACRP Synthesis of Airport Practice

9780309098175

Print

Appendices (5) ; Bibliography; Figures; Glossary; Photos; References; Tables

Airport runways; Blast cleaning; Brooming; Chemical processes; Debris removal; Grinding; Interviewing; Literature reviews; Milling; Pavement grooving; Questionnaires; Rubber; Sand blasting; Skid resistance; State of the practice; Surveys; Wet weather

Shotblasting; Water blasting

Aviation; Maintenance and Preservation; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods

TRIS, TRB

Dec 19 2008 10:30AM