Runway grooving techniques and exploratory study of the deterioration model

Abstract

The friction of runway pavement is critical for the safety of aircraft landing and movement on the runway. Tire hydroplaning may lead the aircraft to move off the runway and hinder the safe landing during wet weather conditions. Grooving on the runway is one way to develop frictional braking resistance and diminish hydroplaning’s potential risk by improving runway surface drainage capacity during damp weather. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), groove construction must follow specific dimensions to maintain skid-resistant airport pavement surfaces. However, the groove area can be reduced for several reasons, and regrooving is essential if 40% of the runway groove of a substantial length decreased to 50% of its original dimension. Grooves initiate different potential distress mechanisms that are not found in an ungrooved pavement surface. Groove closure in different airports with hot weather is a frequent and prominent form of distress that substantially declines the grooves’ effectiveness. Moreover, the degree of the declination of groove dimensions has not been quantified in a theoretical method. This paper discussed the current technique and importance of runway grooving. In addition to this, this paper reviews different potential distress mechanisms and issues related to groove deterioration. Finally, a brief of a predictive modeling requirement is illustrated, which is significant for the authority concern for maintenance and reinstate the grooving in the runway for friction development.