Our participation in the completion of The Leonard P. Zakim, Bunker Hill Bridge, the centerpiece project of the "Big Dig", Boston MA.

Runway & Bridge Deck Grooving

Airport Runway Grooving
the challenge
Aircraft land at speeds up to 190 m.p.h. Once the aircraft's wheels touch the runway, the pilot must reduce lift, settle the full weight onto the pavement and then decelerate rapidly. An essential factor in achieving this result safely is the traction between the aircraft's tires and the runway pavement. Under normal, dry conditions, this is not difficult. Under wet conditions hydroplaning makes the deceleration process dangerous and, at times, impossible.


the solution
We utilize diamond-tipped saw blades to cut grooves into the runway pavement. These blades are mounted side-by-side on horizontal shafts for the most-effective and consistent grooving process. This process creates the grooves necessary to improve braking traction for the aircraft, thereby eliminating the risk of hydroplaning and other deceleration complications in severe weather.

With safety and cost effectiveness at the forefront, our solutions meet the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) recommended specifications that require cuts 1/4" deep and 1/4" wide on 1- 1/2" centers transverse to the direction of travel. Our three-foot grooving head is positioned on the undercarriage of very efficient, high-production machines that are capable of grooving runways and returning them to operation within days. Because we utilize six machines, we are able to tackle multiple runways in a large airport simultaneously- saving you money. After all, the less time your runways are closed, the sooner you can return them to operation.

FAA Grooving Specifications >>
Bridge Deck Grooving
the challenge
A bridge deck can be an extremely dangerous surface in inclement weather. Standing water can cause hydroplaning. Also, bridge decks can freeze faster than roadways, creating extremely hazardous conditions.

Departments of Transportation (DOTs) recognize the importance of grooving on bridges to reduce hydroplaning risks, increase water drainage and aid in a vehicle's control factor. In addition, grooving gives the ability to immediately apply curing measures on bridges after concrete placement.


the solution
Bridge grooving is the solution to bridge deck weather hazards. Patterned grooves increase traction and create efficient drainage. This is accomplished because the grooves allow for the displacement of water between vehicle tire tread and deck surface. Statistics show a clear relationship between grooved surfaces and a reduction in accident rates.

Our bridge-grooving machines utilize diamond-tipped saw blades to saw grooves into the surface. They cut transversely wall-to-wall and are equipped with efficient vacuums. The blades on our machines are mounted and spaced on a horizontal shaft, and are cooled constantly by water pumped from a tanker. State DOTs specify grooves 1/8-3/16" deep and 1/8" wide. Each state has adopted it's own spacing configurations although the minimum spacing is typically 3/4" center-to-center. The deck is grooved perpendicular to the centerline to create the pattern that affords the most traction and drainage possible. Our trained professionals can assist you in meeting your highest safety requirements for newly constructed or re-built bridge decks.

Florida Specs >> (Random Spacing)
North Carolina Specs >> ( 3/4 C/C)
New Jersey Specs >> (1 1/2 C/C)
Specs from Other States >> (IGGA.net)
Locations in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Wisconsin.