GM1 ADR-DSN.B.140 Strength of runway shoulders

(a)Runway shoulders should be so prepared as to be capable of supporting the aeroplanes using the runway without causing structural damage to those aeroplanes. They should also be capable of supporting vehicles such as firefighting appliances. In some cases, whilst the bearing strength of the natural ground may be sufficient, special preparation may be necessary to avoid erosion and the possible ingestion of debris by engines.

(b)Guidance on characteristics and treatment of runway shoulders:

(1)The shoulder of a runway or stopway should be prepared or constructed so as to support an aeroplane and minimise any hazard to an aeroplane running off the runway or stopway. Some guidance is given in the following paragraphs on certain special problems which may arise, and on further measures to avoid the ingestion of loose stones or other objects by turbine engines.

(2)In some cases, the bearing strength of the natural ground in the strip may be sufficient, without special preparation, to meet the requirements for shoulders. Where special preparation is necessary, the method used should depend on local soil conditions and on the mass of the aeroplanes the runway is intended to serve. Soil tests should help in determining the best method of improvement (e.g. drainage, stabilisation, surfacing and light paving).

(c)Attention should also be paid when designing shoulders to prevent the ingestion of stones or other objects by turbine engines. Similar considerations apply here to those discussed for the margins of taxiways both as to the special measures that may be necessary and as to the distance over which such special measures, if required, should be taken. Further guidance is given in ICAO Doc 9157, Aerodrome Design Manual, Part 1 Runways, and Part 2, Taxiways, Aprons and Holding Bays.

(d)Where shoulders have been treated specially, either to provide the required bearing strength or to prevent the presence of stones or debris, difficulties may arise because of a lack of visual contrast between the runway surface and that of the adjacent strip. Such difficulties can be overcome either by providing a good visual contrast between the surfacing of the runway and of the strip, or by providing a runway side stripe marking.

(e)Additional guidance on strength of runway shoulders is given in ICAO Doc 9157, Aerodrome Design Manual, Part 1, Runways.

[Issue: ADR-DSN/3]

[Issue: ADR-DSN/4]