Runway Rubber Removal Specification Development.
Abstract
The phenomenon of runway touchdown-zone rubber buildup is a potentially hazardous problem. Rubber buildup covers the runway surface and occludes the surface texture. This results in a reduced wet friction coefficient between the runway pavement and aircraft tires. Methods and equipment are available for evaluating the wet friction coefficient; however, these methods are expensive and require highly trained personnel. Currently, no guidelines have been established for determining the need and effectiveness of rubber removal. Therefore, most airport and airbase managers rely exclusively on visual impressions of rubber buildup in lieu of quantitative measurements. Quantitative evaluation techniques are desirable for evaluating rubber buildup. An extensive literature review suggested that pavement surface texture measurement techniques are indicative of rubber buildup and resultant reduction in wet friction coefficients. A statistically designed field experiment determined that surface texture measurements were indicative of pavement friction levels; however, these relationships lacked the precision necessary for inclusion in performance specifications. Discussed herein is a summary of previous work in developing a rubber removal specification, supporting evidence for the frictional performance criteria proposed in developing a coherent specification for rubber removal contracts, and proposed contract specification criteria for runway rubber removal. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA166771
Entities
People
- Daniel L. Standiford
- Lary R. Lenke
- Richard A. Graul