Runway Roughness Effects on New Aircraft Types

The effects of runway roughness on control and vertical acceleration during the takeoff operation are discussed. In particular, published NASA data have been researched and extended to predict the resonant frequency of future aircraft on the order of 675,000 to 1,000,000+ pounds. On the basis of a simple harmonic motion analogy, the aircraft’s effects on the runway are qualitatively discussed. Preliminary work on kinetic energy transfer to the pavement is also cited. The conclusion is reached that due to complicated takeoff and landing patterns, the total length of an SST-heavy duty runway should be constructed to withstand dynamic loads. Additional work is necessary to develop pavement sections which will minimize dynamic load transfer to foundation soils.