THE IMPROVEMENT OF WET-RUNWAY OPERATION

Three different types of runway hydroplaning (viscous hydroplaning, reverted rubber hydroplaning, and dynamic hydroplaning) are described, and means of reducing such problems are suggested. It has been found that transverse grooving tends to reduce the amount of time in which any type of hydroplaning can occur. Comparative tests have shown that the grooving tends to produce more uniform friction than ungrooved surfaces. The greater the cross-sectional area of the groove, the more water it can hold before overflowing. Grooves which are too wide, however, will trap debris. Grooves 1/4 inch deep, spaced one inch between centers give maximum traction. The overall effect of runway grooving is to permit a wet runway to approach the braking capability of a dry runway. The cost of grooving existing runways is discussed.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/8295581
• Corporate Authors:

  International Fed of Air Traffic Controllers' Assn

  Bornheimer Landwehr 57a
  Frankfurt am Main 14,   Germany 
• Authors:
  • VICKERS, T K
• Publication Date: 1972-12

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 69-73
• Serial:
  • The Controller
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue Number: 1-4
  • Publisher: International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations
  • ISSN: 0010-8073

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Airport runways; Braking; Hydroplaning; Moisture content; Pavement grooving
• Uncontrolled Terms: Wet conditions
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Pavements; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00155606
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 31 1977 12:00AM