Retexturing Runways

Airport runways are subject to the same stresses and high levels of trafficking encountered on highways.

Sliding action of high pressure low hysteresis tyres places great emphasis on the tyre/aggregate interface. This is intensified by the stresses during touchdown, braking and high speed turn-offs. Cross-winds and undercarriage configurations also contribute to reducing braking efficiency.

The consequent reduction of friction levels caused by surface polishing and rubber build up is a major and ever increasing concern. Numeric rather than descriptive periodic assessment enables exact measurement and provides greater consistency between airports.

A poorly maintained wet wearing course can lead to aquaplaning and consequent aircraft taxiway overshoots or complete runoffs. Poor drainage caused by inadequate macrotexture leads to bulk water removal problems and resultant dynamic aquaplaning. Insufficient microtexture of the polished surface results in problematic friction levels due to the retained water film on each individual piece of aggregate causing viscous aquaplaning

Eighty four independent computer controlled tungsten carbide tipsremove polished particles of the aggregate from the surface exposing the original material.               

Variations in treatment pressure and speed enable retexturing to be employed on any natural aggregate surface.                               

A significant improvement is seen in skid values after treatment. Restored surface areas display friction levels that exceed the Design Objective Level. CAP 683 and other friction criteria are easily met, enabling compliance at all levels. 

Self levelling mechanisms enable deformed and contaminated surfaces to undergo retexturing treatment, resulting in a highly frictioned, consistent and clean finish in areas where it is most needed.  

Used selectively, high trafficked areas falling below friction specification, often accounting for only 25% of the runway surface, can be improved by retexturing.This is done at a fraction of the cost and inconvenience of conventional entire runway replacement solutions.

Cyclic retexturing will repeatedly restore friction to above Design Objective Level. Treated surfaces will provide lasting friction properties proportional to aircraft volumes and the effects of weathering.

Multiple K190 retexturing machines combine to treat widths of up to 5.7 metres in one pass and areas of 800 square metres per machine per hour. 4-wheel drive and twin axle steering enable manoeuvres in restricted areas making the process ideal for airfields and taxi ways alike. Runway markings and AGL remain in-situ protected by surface sensors and operator override.

In addition to treatment being undertaken in any weather, K190 controlled mechanical retexturing allows immediate opening for flight operations after, or in the case of emergencies, during agreed runway closures.

K190 Retexturing as part of a pavement management strategy can be incorporated at Maintenance Planning Level or used for immediate improvements at Minimum Friction Level. It is a fast and cost effective solution to meet CAP683 and other international airport friction regulations. Consequently declarations of "Liable to be slippery when wet" via NOTAM s do not have to be considered.