Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine February/March 2024 Digital Issue
Skid resistance, in the context of airplane tires coming in contact with runway pavements and the ability to brake safely within a defined distance, is a core safety component at every airport regardless of size or classification. Pilots generally assume the friction quality is up to FAA standards to confidently takeoff and land aircraft. Pavement texture is a main factor to ensure the necessary friction characteristics of the pavement allowed for safe takeoffs and landings. Add the element of rain and water on the pavement and pavement texture becomes extremely important.
Runway friction may decrease for a variety of reasons. Heavy traffic, plowing, and the rubber removal process, will scuff and polish the sharp points of the aggregate in the pavement causing it to lose friction. Pavement macrotexture and microtexture affect the skid resistance. Macrotexture takes in a broader view of the pavement, mix design, texture depth, and how the pavement disperses water at higher speeds. Microtexture contributes to friction at lower speeds, generally focusing on the individual characteristics (sharpness) of each piece of aggregate.
Pavement texturing restores low friction pavements back to original friction performance levels. The high-speed impact of the steel shot abrades the pavement bi-directionally, creating new points of contact between tire and pavement, improving the macrotexture and surface drainage. The treatment also removes the polished finish on the aggregate, creating new sharp points increasing the microtexture. The steel shot rebounds into an air wash separator, where it is cleaned and returned to the blast wheel for reuse. Any contaminants on the existing pavement, dust, and pavement particles are collected within a containment system for later disposal. The treatment is inexpensive, high production, completed in one-pass, and environmentally friendly. Many applications are executed at night to reduce the number of missed airport operations. Pavement texturing projects have been completed at dozens of military and major international airports in the U.S. and around the world.
Are your pavements a candidate for a friction recovery treatment? A confidential site visit and pavement evaluation is provided at no cost the airports.
For additional information contact John Hunter, Director Airfield Services, Skidabrader Group, LLC: 800.342.4174 (office) or 903.271.1523 (cell).
Email: john.hunter@skidabrader.com
