Citation

Levitsky WV. Transp. Res. Rec. 1977; 622: 100-104.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1977, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The objective of this program is to ensure the provision of safe airport runway operating conditions for efficient air transportation in Canada. This is being accomplished by the establishment of standards covering minimum coefficient of friction for runways, procedures and instruments of measurement and by periodical assessment of runway surface conditions. These standards take into account the runway length, runway elevation, wind and the type and weight of scheduled aircraft. The instruments used in measuring runway coefficient of friction were tested by the Internaitonal Civil Aviation Organization on selected pavements, representing most typical runway conditions, and have useable correlation with aircraft performance for certain aircraft type. During winter months, the runway coefficient of friction is measured and reported on a routine basis as part of snow removal and ice control using James Brake and Tapley Meter Decelerometers at designated airports. Although no comparable program of operational measurement and reporting during rain storms exists in the summer, an ongoing evaluation program of runway calibration under wet conditions is in effect. The Skiddometer BV11-2, a continuous measuring and recording instrument, is used to measure the runway coefficient of friction in conjunction with a self-watering system. The frequency of runway evaluations is based upon the annual number of scheduled aircraft movements and the class of aircraft. A procedure is being established by which air carriers will be notified of runways which lie near the borderline of the minimum established coefficient of friction value. Provision is made to initiate corrective action for those runways whose coefficient of friction under standard wet conditions, falls below the minimum safe values. Remedial measures to restore runway coefficient of friction are dictated by the causes of slipperiness such as rubber contamination, polishing of the surface texture or insufficient surface draining of water. Effective techniques to implement corrective action range from removal of rubber deposits by high pressure water or lateral corrugation, retexturing polished surraces by impact hammering or grooving to improve lateral drainage of water.