Roadgrip Airports have completed rubber removal at Aeropuerto Internacional de las Américas, José Francisco Peña Gómez, located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Aeropuerto Internacional de las Américas (SDQ) is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, serving as a key gateway to the Dominican Republic. With increasing air traffic in recent years, particularly as global travel rebounded, the airport has seen its runways endure heavier use.
This has resulted in significant build-up of rubber deposits on the runway’s landing zones. Rubber build-up reduces friction and consequently diminishes safety for landing aircraft, making it essential to remove rubber regularly to meet safety standards set by aviation authorities.
Initially, the scope of the project was to remove 10,250 m² of rubber, but as the work progressed, the final figure reached 11,260 m². The additional effort ensured the runway was fully compliant with safety standards and ready to support increasing air traffic.
The project posed unique challenges, as the runway remained operational throughout the rubber removal process. Working around active air traffic required precision timing, clear communication, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Our team collaborated closely with air traffic control, planning operations around the limited windows available for work. We operated in two shifts nightly, from 11 PM to 1 AM and again from 4 AM to 5 AM, over eight consecutive nights. Each shift allowed a maximum of one hour to work before clearing the runway for landing aircraft.
This tight schedule required meticulous planning and flawless execution to make every second count.
To remove the rubber, we used our new Cyclone ultra-high-pressure (UHP) water blasting machine, a state-of-the-art system known for its precision and efficiency. This powerful machine, previously used in our recent projects in Curaçao and Jamaica, was shipped specifically for the SDQ project. The Cyclone’s ability to remove deep layers of rubber without damaging the underlying runway surface made it the ideal choice for this task.
The UHP water blasting process uses water at extremely high pressure to lift rubber deposits, ensuring the runway surface is restored to optimal condition. Unlike abrasive methods, UHP blasting is environmentally friendly and preserves the integrity of the asphalt or concrete beneath.
Between shifts, our team maximised downtime by cleaning the machine, disposing of removed rubber, and refueling and replenishing water supplies to ensure the equipment was always ready for the next session.
Despite the constraints of working on an active runway, the project was completed efficiently and to the highest standard.
The client was particularly impressed with our ability to adapt to air traffic requirements and deliver exceptional results within the limited time available. The removal of 11,260 m² of rubber has restored the runway’s friction levels, ensuring compliance with international aviation safety standards.
At Roadgrip Airports, we understand the unique challenges of working in high-pressure environments like airports. Our team’s commitment to precision, safety, and adaptability ensures that projects are completed on time and to the satisfaction of our clients. By combining cutting-edge technology with meticulous planning, we deliver results that meet and exceed the highest industry standards.
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