When aircraft touches down on a runway, the immense friction between the tyres and the surface creates a crucial grip that ensures a safe landing. However, over time, this same process leads to a significant challenge for airport operators: rubber build-up. This accumulation of rubber deposits from the tyres can compromise runway safety and performance, making its removal a vital aspect of airport maintenance.
Rubber build-up occurs when aircraft tyres deposit thin layers of rubber onto the runway during landing. The intense pressure and heat generated at touchdown cause the tyres to transfer material onto the surface. Over weeks and months, this deposition accumulates, particularly in touchdown zones where tyres repeatedly make contact.
One of the most critical issues caused by rubber build-up is the reduction of runway friction. The accumulated deposits form a smooth, glossy layer that can compromise the grip between aircraft tyres and the surface. This is particularly dangerous during wet conditions, where reduced friction increases the risk of hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning occurs when a thin layer of water separates the tyres from the runway, leading to a loss of control. Additionally, rubber build-up can increase braking distances when landing, which poses a significant safety risk, especially for larger or heavily laden aircraft.
Runway friction must meet strict regulatory standards set by aviation authorities, such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). To ensure compliance, friction testing is conducted regularly using advanced equipment, such as continuous friction measuring devices (CFMEs). These tests measure the runways grip under worst case, wet conditions, and provide operators with essential data to determine whether maintenance is required.
Friction testing is particularly crucial before and after rubber removal. Before removal, it establishes the extent of the build-up and the impact on runway safety. After removal, it confirms that the runway’s friction levels have been restored to optimal standards, ensuring the surface is ready for safe operations.
Read more about how Roadgrip Airports removed rubber and improved friction in St Lucia here.
Specialised methods are used to remove rubber build-up effectively while minimising damage to the runway surface. One of the most common techniques, and the one we use at Roadgrip, is high-pressure water blasting, which uses pressurised water to break up and lift the deposits. This method is both effective and environmentally friendly, leaving no chemical residues behind.
Chemical removal is another approach, where biodegradable agents are applied to break down the rubber for easy removal. While useful for sensitive surfaces, it requires careful handling to prevent environmental impact. Another option is shot blasting, which involves propelling small steel particles onto the surface to abrade and remove the rubber. Although effective, this method can cause minor surface wear and is often used selectively.
We also recommend water blasting for its effective removal whilst preserving the asphalt underneath.
Rubber removal is not a one-time task but an ongoing requirement for airports. Regular inspection and maintenance schedules are essential to identify build-up and address it before it becomes a safety hazard. Incorporating friction testing into these schedules ensures that the runway’s condition is continuously monitored and that rubber removal is carried out at the right time. Post-removal testing validates the effectiveness of the maintenance, offering peace of mind that the runway is safe for aircraft operations.
In recent years, rubber removal methods have evolved to balance safety and environmental considerations. Water-based techniques, for instance, reduce the reliance on chemicals, while modern equipment ensures precise removal with minimal waste and energy consumption. These advancements align with the aviation industry’s commitment to sustainability while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
Read more about our UHP water blasters and how they work here: line and rubber removal
Rubber build-up on runways is an inevitable consequence of daily operations, but its timely removal is essential to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency. By investing in advanced techniques, incorporating rigorous friction testing, and adhering to strict maintenance schedules, airports can continue to provide a safe landing environment for all aircraft, regardless of the conditions.
Roadgrip maintain the safety of runways around the world, from large commercial airports to smaller runways in far reaching islands. Contact our global team to discuss your airfield maintenance requirements or visit Roadgrip Airports to learn more.