Airport runways are a space that requires an extreme level of order and safety. Retaining walls work to provide a level of order and safety in spaces, but can it be used in an airport?
In this blog, we will answer the question ‘How do retaining walls support airport runways?’
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How high should a retaining wall be at an airport?
The height of a retaining wall at an airport can vary significantly depending on several factors, including terrain. If the airport is built on a slope, the height of the wall will depend on the angle of the slope and the desired level of the runway or terminal.
Another important factor is the wall’s purpose, whether it’s to create a level surface for a runway, support a multi-level terminal, or prevent erosion, will also influence its height. The type of retaining wall you opt for, and the materials used, will affect the height of the retaining wall.
In addition, building codes and airport regulations will set specific height limits and requirements for retaining walls.
Regardless of the height, you must ensure the height of the wall must be balanced with its structural integrity. Taller walls require stronger foundations and reinforcement to withstand the increased pressure from the soil and other forces.
Typical Heights of airport retaining walls
Small-scale retaining walls are used to stabilise slopes or create minor level changes, might be a few feet high. When it comes to larger-scale retaining walls used to support significant elevation changes or multi-level structures, it can reach several stories high.
It’s important to note that the design and construction of retaining walls at airports should always be carried out by qualified engineers and contractors to ensure safety and longevity.
How does a retaining wall actually work?
Retaining walls are engineered structures designed to hold back soil and other materials, preventing them from sliding or eroding. The science behind retaining walls involves a complex interplay of forces, including gravity, friction, and soil pressure.
Gravity pulls the soil downward, while friction resists the downward movement. Soil pressure, which increases with depth, exerts force on the wall. To counteract these forces, retaining walls are designed with specific structural elements and materials.
The wall’s foundation must be strong enough to support the weight of the soil and the wall itself. The wall’s body, often made of concrete, masonry, or other durable materials, must be reinforced to withstand the lateral pressure from the soil.
Additionally, drainage systems are incorporated to prevent water build-up, which can increase soil pressure and weaken the wall. By carefully considering these factors, engineers can design and construct retaining walls that are both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.
Depending on the kind of retaining wall you want, you can use certain materials, some of which require binding materials like mortar, whilst some, like interlocking concrete blocks, do not.
How do retaining walls support airport runways?
Retaining walls play a crucial role in the construction and maintenance of airport runways, often working behind the scenes to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity. These structures, typically made of concrete, steel, or earth-filled gabions, are designed to hold back soil and other materials, enabling the creation of level surfaces for runways, taxiways, and aprons.
Here’s how retaining walls support airport runways:
Creating Level Surfaces
In areas with hilly terrain, retaining walls are used to terrace the slopes, creating level platforms for runway construction. This allows for efficient aircraft operations without the challenges posed by steep inclines.
In coastal regions, retaining walls protect runways from erosion caused by waves and tidal forces. They help maintain the integrity of the runway surface and prevent costly repairs.
Expanding Airport Capacity
When land is limited, retaining walls can be used to extend runways vertically, allowing for increased capacity without encroaching on valuable land.
Retaining walls also support the construction of multi-level terminal buildings, optimising space utilisation and improving passenger flow.
Preventing Soil Erosion
Retaining walls stabilise slopes around runways, preventing soil erosion and landslides, which can damage the runway surface and pose safety risks.
Additionally, well-designed retaining walls can incorporate drainage systems to divert water away from the runway, reducing the risk of water damage and ensuring optimal runway conditions.
Supporting Infrastructure
Retaining walls can be used to create elevated roadways and rail lines that intersect with airport runways, minimising the risk of collisions and improving traffic flow.
Retaining walls can support utility corridors, such as power lines, water pipes, and fibre optic cables, ensuring reliable infrastructure for airport operations.
By providing stability, expanding capacity, and protecting against erosion, retaining walls are essential components of modern airport infrastructure. They contribute to the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of air travel, ensuring that airports can meet the demands of a growing global aviation industry.
What can damage a retaining wall at an airport?
Airports almost always have a high amount of daily activity in and around them. Whether that be people travelling around, or airport staff/ planes on the runways. As a result, there is a chance a retaining wall at an airport could be affected or damaged. Below are the ways this can happen:
Natural Forces
- Erosion: Wind and rain can erode the soil behind the wall, leading to instability.
- Extreme Weather: Heavy rainfall, floods, and storms can cause significant damage to the wall’s structure.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can weaken the wall’s materials.
- Natural disasters: Airports in certain localities that have earthquakes, have the chance of a retaining wall being affected.
Human Factors
- Poor Construction: Faulty design, inadequate materials, or improper construction techniques can lead to early deterioration.
- Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance, such as repairing cracks, clearing debris, and inspecting drainage systems, can accelerate damage.
- Vehicle Impact: Accidental collisions with vehicles, especially heavy equipment, can cause structural damage.
- Vibration: Constant vibrations from nearby aircraft or heavy machinery can weaken the wall over time.
Other Factors
- Soil Movement: Changes in soil moisture content or underground water levels can cause the soil behind the wall to shift, putting pressure on the structure.
- Plant Growth: Tree roots can penetrate the wall and damage its structure.
- Chemical Exposure: Exposure to de-icing chemicals or other corrosive substances can weaken the wall’s materials.
To mitigate these risks, airport authorities must prioritise regular inspections, timely maintenance, and ensure proper design and construction of retaining walls.
Explore retaining walls today
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In this blog, we hope to have answered the question ‘How do retaining walls support airport runways?’ Whilst also providing additional information including construction solutions that we offer.
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