Impact of Airfield Pavement’s Operability on Its Anti-skid Properties

Abstract

The article focuses on presenting the impact of the airfield pavements operability on the obtained values of the friction coefficient. The problem was captured in the context of the surface contamination’s increase during the half-year measurement period. In addition, a reduction of the pavement surface anti-skid parameters in the touchdown zone on the runway, in relation to its central part was presented.

Anti-skid properties are characterized by two main parameters: coefficient of friction at wheel/surface contact zone and depth of surface texture. There are proven and used for years methods for measuring the macro- and micro-texture of the surface and the roughness of the surface.

In order to check the impact of operating processes on the anti-skid properties of airfield pavements, appropriate tests have been carried out. Changes resulting from arise of rubber amounts on the selected runway’s (DS1) and taxiway’s (DK) surfaces starting from late winter till late summer were assessed. In addition, a different runway was assessed (DS2) for which a map of friction coefficient values was made in order to show areas with worse anti-skid properties.

The article confirmed the necessity of constant control of anti-skid parameters of airport pavements in order to ensure safety conditions at an appropriate level. Maintenance services and proper operation of airfield pavements also is necessary to minimize the effects of surface deterioration and the accumulation of contaminants in its area.