Analysis of Variance in Runway Friction Measurements and Surface Life-Cycle: A Case Study of Four Australian Airports

Gadel Baimukhametov; Greg White

doi:10.3390/infrastructures11010020

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Analysis of Variance in Runway Friction Measurements and Surface Life-Cycle: A Case Study of Four Australian Airports

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Analysis of Variance in Runway Friction Measurements and Surface Life-Cycle: A Case Study of Four Australian Airports

Gadel Baimukhametov and Greg White

Infrastructures, Vol.11(1), pp.1-25

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11010020

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Abstract

runway friction

skid resistance

continuous friction measuring equipment

GripTester

runway maintenance

seasonal variation

rubber removal

friction decay

Runway friction is a critical factor in aircraft safety, affecting braking performance during landing and take-off. This study evaluates friction measurement variability and runway life-cycle dynamics at four typical Australian airports, using GripTester data from calibration strips and operational runways. The results show that friction measurements are influenced by seasonal effects, random errors, and testing equipment tire wear, with greater variability at lower speed (65 km/h) than at higher speed (95 km/h). Analysis of runway friction decay indicates that friction reduction rates are higher in touchdown zones and decelerating rate gradually decrease as friction declines, while regular rubber removal significantly restores friction, sometimes exceeding post-construction levels. Current internationally recommended friction testing intervals may not adequately ensure safety, with a sufficient probability of friction dropping below maintenance planning levels between tests. Based on observed reduction rates, updated intervals of approximately 3000 to 4000 landings are proposed to achieve 90% confidence in maintaining safe friction levels. The findings provide practical guidance for friction management and maintenance scheduling as part of an optimized airport pavement management system.

Details

Title: Analysis of Variance in Runway Friction Measurements and Surface Life-Cycle: A Case Study of Four Australian Airports
Authors: Gadel Baimukhametov - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Greg White (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Publication details: Infrastructures, Vol.11(1), pp.1-25
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures11010020
ISSN: 2412-3811
Copyright note: © 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.
Data Availability: The products presented in this article are available on request from the corresponding authors.
Grant note: This research was funded by the University of the Sunshine Coast, Airport Pavement Research Program, funded by the Australian Airports Association and the Department of Defence, under grant no AAA001/2021.
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991200050802621
Output Type: Journal article

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