Sachin Walls
Airports are complex structures that are built using a variety of materials, each chosen for its specific properties and ability to withstand the demands of aviation. From runways to terminals, every aspect of an airport serves a purpose, and the materials used in their construction play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. So, what are airports made of? Let's take a closer look at the materials that form the foundation of these bustling transportation hubs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Runway Material | Asphalt, concrete, or a combination of both |
| Runway Length | Smaller airports: under 1,000 m (3,300 ft); Larger airports: 2,000 m (6,600 ft) or longer |
| Runway Width | Varies depending on aircraft size and traffic volume |
| Runway Thickness | 10 inches to 4 ft, including the subgrade |
| Runway Surface | Grooved to maximize tire friction and minimize hydroplaning |
| Runway Lighting | Aviation windsocks are often lit up after dark or in foggy weather |
| Building Materials | Terrazzo flooring is popular for its durability, sustainability, and design capabilities |
| Airport Layout | Terminals, runways, control tower, landing aids |
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What You'll Learn
Runways: asphalt, concrete, or a combination of both
Runways are elongated, rectangular surfaces designed for the landing and takeoff of aircraft. They are constructed of man-made materials such as asphalt, concrete, or a combination of both. The choice of pavement material depends on local ground conditions, the type of aircraft using the facility, and cost. Concrete is widely used at major commercial airports as it is more durable and has a longer lifespan than asphalt. However, asphalt is more cost-effective, and specialised asphalt mixtures that can tolerate exposure to airplane fuel and hydraulic fluids are often chosen in places where planes are refuelled.
The design and construction process of a runway typically takes between 2 and 4 years, and they are built to last between 20 and 30 years before needing rehabilitation. The length of a runway is determined by the size of the airport and the type of aircraft expected to land there, and they come in three basic widths: 50 ft, 100 ft, and 150 ft. For example, a runway catering to Boeing 737s and international flights might be 150 ft wide and 10,000 ft long.
In addition to asphalt and concrete, runways can also be made of natural surfaces such as grass, dirt, gravel, ice, sand, or salt. Gravel runways, for instance, are often seen at smaller airfields, but they require particular modifications or design considerations for planes to be able to land on them. In Alaska, beaches and ice lakes can also serve as runways.
The orientation of a runway is determined by the prevailing wind direction in the area. Runways are designed to align with the wind direction to mitigate the occurrence of crosswind operations, which are more challenging and dangerous. This alignment allows aircraft to take off and land into the headwind, reducing the length of the runway used.
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Terminal buildings: terrazzo flooring, large interior spaces
Terminal buildings are a key component of airports, alongside runways, hangars, parking, and other facilities. They are designed to accommodate passengers and cargo, and their layout and design can vary depending on the airport's size, location, and operational characteristics.
Terminal buildings often feature terrazzo flooring, which is a durable and low-maintenance option for high-traffic areas. Terrazzo is a composite material made of chips of marble or granite set in concrete and polished to a smooth finish. It is a popular choice for airport flooring as it is long-lasting and can withstand the constant movement of luggage and foot traffic.
The interior spaces of terminal buildings are typically large and spacious to accommodate the high volume of passengers and their luggage. The design of these spaces focuses on efficiency and functionality, ensuring smooth passenger flow and rapid turnaround times for aircraft. The size and layout of terminal buildings can vary depending on the number of gates they serve and the type of aircraft accommodated.
In larger airports, such as Kansas City International Airport, Munich Airport, and Charles de Gaulle Airport, the terminals often follow a "linear" layout. This design places the aircraft alongside an elongated building, with passengers using jet bridges to board. The length of the building is limited to approximately 800 meters (2,650 feet) to facilitate walkability. Some airports modify this linear structure into a semicircular shape, with aircraft parked on one side and cars on the other to reduce travel times between check-in and the aircraft.
Another design concept is the "pier" layout, where a narrow building has aircraft parked on both sides. One end of the building connects to ticketing and baggage claim areas. This design was popular in the 1950s and can still be found at airports like Frankfurt International Airport and Schiphol Airport. However, as the number of gates increases, the distances passengers need to travel within the terminal can become excessively long, impacting comfort and attractiveness.
The choice of flooring and the design of large interior spaces in terminal buildings are crucial considerations in ensuring the functionality, efficiency, and comfort of airports. These aspects play a significant role in the overall airport experience for passengers and staff.
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Windsocks: lightweight material, illuminated for night/fog
Windsocks are an essential component of airport infrastructure, providing pilots with critical information about wind direction and speed during landing and takeoff. To ensure optimal functionality and visibility, windsocks are typically made from lightweight, durable materials that can withstand strong winds and varying weather conditions.
The lightweight material used in windsocks enables them to be highly responsive to even the slightest changes in wind conditions. This responsiveness is crucial for pilots, as it provides them with accurate and up-to-date information to make necessary adjustments during flight operations.
For night-time operations or low-visibility conditions, such as fog, windsocks are often illuminated to enhance their visibility. This illumination not only ensures that pilots can clearly see the windsock from a distance but also that it does not interfere with the pilot's night vision. The illumination typically consists of bright orange or red LED lights that provide a non-glaring, "glow-in-the-dark" appearance.
To achieve this illumination, some windsocks feature internal lighting systems, where ultra-bright LEDs are shone directly into the opening of the windsock. This design ensures superior safety and energy efficiency, as the light is directed towards the windsock itself, minimising glare and reducing light pollution.
In addition to the lighting, the materials used in the construction of windsocks are carefully chosen to ensure durability and resistance to corrosion. For example, windsocks may feature stainless steel framing, PVC housing, and unique Delrin ball bearings for smooth rotation. The fabric of the windsock itself is often made from premium nylon, which is treated with water repellent and UV inhibitors to ensure long-term durability and maintain its responsiveness.
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Location: often near water, away from cities
Airports are often located near bodies of water, such as lakes or oceans, and away from cities. There are several reasons for this, the main one being safety. Commercial jets can experience mechanical or electrical failure, and in such cases, a body of water offers a backup solution. Pilots can glide the plane over the water as an alternative to crashing it into a hill or building. The water also acts as a natural barrier between the jets and people on the ground, reducing noise complaints.
In addition, airports require a lot of space, and building them near water means that there will be fewer people living in the vicinity to be disturbed by the noise. The higher the altitude of an airport, the thinner the air, which decreases the thrust of engines and the amount of lift produced by the wings. Airports located by the water are often at or closer to sea level, which means planes need less runway length or thrust to take off, and there is less jet blast, noise, and fuel needed.
However, there are also disadvantages to building airports near water. Wind gusts are usually stronger due to the lack of windbreaks, and coastal areas are prone to fog during fall and winter, which can cause delays. There is also the risk of bird strikes, as many birds live near coasts, and flooding can be an issue, as experienced by Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan, which was flooded during a typhoon in 2018.
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Additional features: duty-free shops, restaurants, control towers
Additional Features
Airports typically have a variety of additional features, such as duty-free shops, restaurants, and control towers, which are essential to the airport's functionality and overall passenger experience.
Duty-free Shops
Duty-free shops are a common feature of international airports, and their retail sales are worth billions. These shops offer a range of products, including fragrances, cosmetics, wines and spirits, chocolates, and tobacco products. The first duty-free shop was established at Shannon Airport in Ireland in 1947 and is still in operation today. Duty-free shops are often found in the international zones of airports, and their products are usually exempt from certain taxes and duties.
Restaurants
Airport restaurants provide travellers with dining options before or after their flights. These eateries can range from chain restaurants to local cuisine, offering various meals and snacks to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Control Towers
Control towers are an essential component of airport operations, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft and vehicles on the ground and in the airspace around the airport. They are typically tall structures with windows, offering a clear view of the airport grounds. The first airport control tower was introduced in 1920 at Croydon Airport near London, and it provided basic traffic, weather, and location information to pilots. Today, control towers use advanced technologies like radar, GPS, and digital systems to monitor aircraft positions and facilitate clear communication with pilots.
In conclusion, while the main infrastructure of an airport is critical to its function, these additional features play a significant role in enhancing the airport's efficiency, safety, and passenger experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Most airport runways are constructed of man-made materials, typically asphalt, concrete, or a combination of both. Concrete is more common in major commercial airports as it is more durable and has a longer lifespan, despite being more expensive.
Runway pavement thickness varies depending on the airport. Commercial airports serving heavy aircraft have runway surfaces between 10 inches and 4 feet thick, including the subgrade.
Grooves on runways maximize tire friction and minimize hydroplaning after heavy rains by allowing water to drain.
