Russian runways

[RodBorza]

Just out of curiosity:

 

Why does some of the Georgian/Russian runways have these concrete tiled pattern. Look at the screenshots below. It gives me the impression that the runway is made of lots of small blocks of concrete, not a single concrete/tarmac layer like we see in western airfields.

Why is that? My guess is to allow the expansion/contraction cycle for the winter and defrost seasons. Also, keeping up with the "robust but cheap" construction policy of the old soviet army.

 

Edited May 30, 2011 by RodBorza

[BK553]

I may be wrong, but I think these are airfields thrown together for the conflict, similar to what our SeaBees did in WW2. Temporary, modular, and quickly deployed.

 

And then like almost everything else in the former Soviet Union, abandoned, neglected and forgotten.

Edited May 30, 2011 by BK553

[DutchJackal]

Not only these Russian/Georgian airfields have this sort of runways. Even some older European and American airfields have this instead of asphalt.

 

One airfield I know of is the international airport of Geneva. (look very close on Google Maps and you might see it) But I must say that the tiles used on this airport are much larger than the ones on your pictures.

[Boberro]

Reason is simple - what for spend many cash for ultra flat and polished runway, if simple concrete block does job well ;]

[Machinist]

And they're all apparently built at 90° to the prevailing wind patterns.

[RodBorza]

Reason is simple - what for spend many cash for ultra flat and polished runway, if simple concrete block does job well ;]

Clever and...

 

And they're all apparently built at 90° to the prevailing wind patterns.

...clever!

 

Well, thank you all for the answers.

I think they may be correct.

 

I was watching a Wings documentary on the Soviet Union (good old times of the Discovery Channel) and it showed how soviet air doctrine was very different from that of NATO. And showed how the Russians had to deal with an enormous air space to defend and few resources. That may explain why their airfields have this peculiar configuration.

[Ripcord]

Ever seen a soviet era asphalt machine? Go spend some time driving on a Russian highway (you'll need a 4x4 if you plan to drive it very far), and you will understand why they go with the cement blocks.

 

They use these a lot, for town squares, in front of schools and major buildings, central areas, where we might pour concrete or use ashpalt. It's not so much a clever military decisions as it was basic practicality. Heck, they use cement blocks for their fences! I won't attempt to explain that.

 

Ripcord

[maxmax]

The sometimes also use octagonal shaped pieces to build the runways. Apparently it was also because it was easier to mine the airfield. That way it's easy blow it to pieces if the enemy is about to take it. But that's just something i picked up somewhere. Could be wrong even though it's an interesting theory.

 

*EDIT*

Apparently, the mines are still there in some soviet era military runways. Just not activated.

[bogusheadbox]

Correct me if i am wrong, but going from my limited knowledge of concreting.

 

Concreting has limitations when doing large sections. the reinforcement and setting times means that it is easier to concrete in small sections than one large section.

 

(or it could be that i am just pants at concreting ;-) )

[Parias]

Reason is simple - what for spend many cash for ultra flat and polished runway, if simple concrete block does job well ;]

 

Especially when Russians are

[Boberro]

Ever seen a soviet era asphalt machine? Go spend some time driving on a Russian highway (you'll need a 4x4 if you plan to drive it very far), and you will understand why they go with the cement blocks.

 

They use these a lot, for town squares, in front of schools and major buildings, central areas, where we might pour concrete or use ashpalt. It's not so much a clever military decisions as it was basic practicality. Heck, they use cement blocks for their fences! I won't attempt to explain that.

 

Ripcord

 

Yup, in Poland you could see (short after escaping from SU influence) concrete fences, squares, highways (!), flowerpots ect.

Driving a car on such highway = jumping up and down :megalol: It was as same concrete block as on runway :D

Now fortunately rarely you could see such odd concrete things around.

Edited May 30, 2011 by Boberro

[159th_Falcon]

Yup, also airfields in Europe use concrete tiles.

Fairly sure Toulouse does (France)

And 100% sure Den Helder Airport (or Militair Vliegkamp de Kooy) EHKD (The Netherlands) did, they started work on a new asphalt runway early this year.

Note the short grass square at the bottom of the airfield, that's where are local aeromodelling club fly's there model airplanes.:joystick::joystick:

[Nu-NRG]

For reminiscing USSR ... what a better site than http://englishrussia.com/ :D

 

Really worth a look :D

[Slothface]

I'm sure I heard somewhere that modular concreting reduced the impact of bombs dropped on them and allowed for quicker repair post attacks. Could anyone with the knowledge clarify that or provide a reference? London Stansted airport in the UK has this system for its taxiways and aprons but runway is now a modern tarmac.

[RodBorza]

The sometimes also use octagonal shaped pieces to build the runways. Apparently it was also because it was easier to mine the airfield. That way it's easy blow it to pieces if the enemy is about to take it. But that's just something i picked up somewhere. Could be wrong even though it's an interesting theory.

 

*EDIT*

Apparently, the mines are still there in some soviet era military runways. Just not activated.

 

Not activared? So it means that the explosives are still intact in the mines? Anyway, now I have a good excuse for blown tires on my bad landings. :megalol:

[Joyride]

Most modern military airport runways, taxiways, and aprons (and large civilian airports) are built with rebar reinforced concrete, typically 10' or 12' squares. Much preferred over asphalt due to the fact that doesn't have to be resurfaced every couple of years like asphalt does. Asphalt is cheaper, but also ruts, especially on a runway near landing areas.

 

The only weird thing about the Russian airfield blocks shown in the sim is the small, and rectangular size. More joints = more chances for breakup and FOD, as well as general maintenance (weeds, sealant, etc). The small size makes one assume these are prefab/modular blocks that were trucked in, not poured in place, as someone suggested above.

[FLEXCopMNPD]

The smaller concrete blocks would be easier to replace if damaged than a large concrete pour. Quick and relatively inexpensive.

 

The US has a similar system but uses metal grating instead of the concrete. The grating is expensive as all get out, and tends to "disappear" into other "non" airport uses, like walkways or front porch decking on FOBs :D