Field Evaluation of Ultra-High Pressure Water Systems for Runway Rubber Removal
Abstract
Runway rubber removal is a maintenance function employed to ensure safe landing areas for aviation operations. Rubber deposits accumulate on runway areas where aircraft tires touch down and braking occurs. This tire rubber buildup occludes pavement microtexture and macrotexture, causing a significant loss in available skid resistance during wet conditions. Reduction of available pavement microtexture in a wet environment prevents the development of adhesional friction, which can lead to viscous hydroplaning. Reduction of pavement macrotexture prevents removal of bulk water from the tire-pavement contact area and prevents development of the hysteresis frictional component. The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, MS, was tasked by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) to evaluate the performance of ultra-high pressure water (UHPW) rubber removal technologies; this work was conducted in collaboration with Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA). Several types of commercial UHPW water blasting systems were tested on an ungrooved portland cement concrete (PCC) runway and data were compared using statistical methods. Runway pavement skid resistance characteristics, such as friction and surface texture, were evaluated before and after rubber removal operations. Equipment run times, consumable resources, and climatic conditions were monitored.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA601902
Entities
People
- Aaron B. Pullen
- Craig A. Rutland
- Jeb S. Tingle
- Lulu Edwards
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center