ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Civil engineers began repairs on the west runway this week, closing it for two weeks preceding a nine-month closure of the east runway for repairs beginning in April.
West runway maintenance includes rubber removal, painting, and broken pavement, or "spall", repair work. All aircraft are expected to use the east runway through March 29.
The 316th Civil Engineering Squadron repair crew has some high-powered tools to get the job done in the limited time available.
"The rubber removal will be conducted with high pressure water, which will blast the built-up rubber from the pavement," said Ms. Tracy Morgan, 316th Operations Support Squadron airfield manager.
Rubber on the runways is a safety issue as it reduces friction and stopping capabilities of the aircraft.
Spall repairs will take place at the north end of the runway and on the north end of the taxiway.
"316 CE will saw-cut around the problem areas, jackhammer out the old pavement and replace it," Ms. Morgan said. "This is important as spalls continually produce 'Foreign Object Debris,' or FOD, which, if ingested into an aircraft engine could destroy it."
The crew is also removing an old anchor chain barrier, known as the E-5 barrier, that is no longer used and has become an obstruction, Ms. Morgan said.
Though minor repairs on the west runway have been ongoing, the last major repair was in May 2007. Repairs to the west runway were done in anticipation of the major nine-month closure of the east runway beginning in April.
"The east runway is scheduled to be closed to upgrade the existing aircraft arresting system to an electronically controlled BAK 14 system," Ms. Morgan said.
An aircraft arresting system is a series of components used to stop an aircraft by absorbing its momentum during emergency landings, or an aborted takeoff. A BAK 14 system is one which utilizes a retractable hook and cable support system to prevent runway overrun by fighter aircraft. BAK is the United States' designation for a barrier arresting system.
Other repairs on the east runway include the installation of various concrete and asphalt overlays, Eric Rothermel, 316 CES civil engineer, said.
"Closure of the east runway should minimally impact operations. Travel time to the runway from the east ramp will be extended and there may be some delays in departure times due to sequencing of aircraft," Mr. Rothermel said.
Ms. Morgan added that with the west runway closed in the event of bad weather, there would be no "CAT II" operations, which means that aircraft will not be able to land in the worst weather conditions. Delays are also a possibility due to aircraft sequencing; ensuring safe distances between arriving and departing traffic will take longer due to one runway in operation.
Other obstacles during the runway repair work will be personnel and security related.
"The major challenge will be completing work that includes using time-sensitive materials such as asphalt and concrete around ramp freezes, which require all contractor personnel to exit the airfield," Mr. Rothermel said. "We will overcome this challenge by working closely with Airfield Operations and security forces."
For more information, email Eric.Rothermel@afncr.af.mil or Tracy.Morgan-02@afncr.af.mil.