The Friction Classification of Runways,
Abstract
The fundamental principles regarding the design of runway surfaces to provide high friction under wet conditions are well known and have been put into practice for some time. In the past a locked wheel trailer has been used to assess the relative friction of runways by making measurements at a number of isolated points on the surface. With the development of the Continuous Recording Runway Friction Meter (Mu-Meter) and a runway self wetting system contained in the tow vehicle, it has been possible to obtain a permanent record showing the friction reading along the entire length of a runway. This S&T Memo describes the method developed to carry out such a trial together with its associated Standard Friction Classification Table. Use of the Mu-Meter under natural rain conditions has demonstrated that aircraft aquaplaning could sometimes occur in local areas. A method is described how these areas can be identified and how it is combined with the self wetting trial to give a proper friction evaluation of a runway. The relationship in Mu-Meter readings when using the US Federal Aviation Administration and UK Ministry of Defence methods of runway friction classification, have been determined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA085121
Entities
People
- I. Beaty
- R. W. Sugg
- Robert J. Nicholls