Geometric Standards For Runways

Geometric Standards
Geometric standards for runways
In geometric design of runways we will

discuss the following elements
 length
 width
 longitudinal gradient & profile
 transverse gradient
 runway intersections
1-Length
 Selection of length of a runway is the
most important decision in the planning of
landing area.
 Runway lengths for various types of
airports recommended by ICAO are for
sea level elevation, standard atmospheric
conditions;
– 590F or 150C
– 29.92”barometer pressure
– zero effective gradient
– No wind
 The basic lengths recommended by FAA are
based on the same conditions except that
temperature of 1000F has been included in the
length.
 Necessary corrections have to be applied for
changes in elevation, temperature and grade,
at actual site of construction of the airport.
Correction for elevation
 The ICAO and FAA recommends that the
length of a runway for standard conditions
at sea level be increased at the rate of 7%
per 1000ft (300m) elevation above/below
mean sea level.
Correction for temperature
 ICAO recommends that length corrected for
elevation, shall be further increased at the
rate of 1% for every 10C rise in the standard
temperature.
 However FAA corrects the runway length
for the elevation of the airport but not for
temperature, since the basic length at sea
level is for a temperature of 1000F.
Correction for gradient
 ICAO does not contain specific recommendations
concerning the effect of the runway gradient on
the runway length.
 FAA recommends that the runway length
corrected for the effect of altitude be further
corrected for the runway gradient at the rate of
20% for each 1% of effective gradient. Effective
gradient is defined as the maximum difference in
runway profile elevation divided by the entire
runway length.
2- Width
 A runway is made up of a paved load bearing area
and adjacent shoulders. The runway (paved load
bearing area) combined with shoulders is called
landing strip.
 Central portion of the paved area is subjected to
maximum loading which goes decreasing towards
the edges. Minimum width of landing strip has
been recommended as 500 ft (150m) in non-
instrument runways and 1000 ft (300m) in the
case of instrument runway.
3-longitudinal Gradient & Profile
 Frequent grade changes not only restrict the sight
distances and increase the runway length needed for
landing and taking off but also dangerous for the
safety of the aircrafts flying at high speeds during the
take off operation.
 It is for this reason that the ICAO and FAA have
limited the maximum longitudinal gradient on any
portion of the runway to 1.5% and maximum effective
gradient to 1%.
 Longitudinal intersecting grades should be connected
with proper vertical curves. A rate of change of grade
of 0.3% for every 100ft length of the vertical curve
has been recommended by ICAO.
4-Transverse Gradient
 Runway transverse grades are meant to be
provided for purposes of quick drainage.
 According to ICAO and FAA, transverse gradient
should not exceed by 1.5%. Minimum value has
however not been specified.
 If the cross-grade is less than 0.5% drainage may
not be satisfactory.
 Steeper transverse grades are provided for the
shoulders. According to ICAO, for all classes of
airports, shoulders should not exceed 2.5% for
500’ wide runway & 5% for 1000’ wide runways.
5-Runways Intersections
 When two runways, both at zero grade, intersecting
each other, there is no significant problem or laying out
the intersection. But if the runways are at grade, the
design of intersection assumes considerable
importance.
 For appropriate design of intersection, it is necessary to
have smooth profile of each runway at the intersection,
so as to avoid any abrupt change in grade. But we can’t
provide flat gradients at intersection as it might results
in the pounding of water at the intersection.
 So a compromise has to be made by reducing grade of
both runways considerably & by providing adequate
drainage facilities at the intersection.
Geometric Standards for
Taxiways
Geometric Standards for Taxiways
 A taxiway is a strip of paved areas

connecting the runway to the apron. The
speed of the aircraft when it runs on the
taxiway is less than that on the runway at
the time of taking off or landing.
The length of a taxiway depends upon the
distance of the apron from the entry end or
the exit end of the runway.
Considerable width suitably maintained
shoulders are provided in case of taxiway.
Width of taxiway is much less as compared to
the runways.
The ICAO recommends a longitudinal grade of 3%
(max) and the rate of change of longitudinal grade at
1% per 100ft and transverse grade of 1.5% (max) for all
classes of airports.
The design of intersection of taxiway with runways and
other taxiways is simple as compared to intersection of
two runways since the grades along the taxiway can be
safely made flatter for a considerable distance on either
side of the intersection.
The sight distance for taxiways should be so provided
that the surface is visible from 10’ (3m) height up to a
distance of 1000 ft (300m).

Geometric Standards For Runways

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Geometric Standards

Geometric standards for runways

In geometric design of runways we will

 A taxiway is a strip of paved areas

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