Improved Decision-Making Geo-Information System for Continuous Monitoring of Deformations on Airport Infrastructure

Damjan Doler,Boštjan Kovačič

doi:10.3390/ijgi8010001

Abstract

Heavy burdens are placed on runways daily; thus, it is necessary to monitor these surfaces regularly. The appearance of distortions can cause difficulties for aircraft when they land or take off, which occurs mainly for lighter planes. This can be seen in reduced grip, uneven use of tires, problems with measurement systems, and unbalanced drive, which can result in damage to or even destruction of the plane or its parts. For that purpose, the model of continuous monitoring of distortions on and under the surface of the runway was created. This model is based on geodetic and geophysical methods. The method for monitoring distortions was developed into a decision-making model in the shape of a geo-information base. The results provide an image of the state of the runway including damage on and under the surface, which are the most common causes of runway distortions. The data are automatically recorded in the newly established information system, which supports the decision making regarding renovations and runway maintenance. The measurement on the runway takes 30 min, which does not lead to a long closure of the airport and, thus, reduces traffic jams and additional costs.

Highlights

Modern society has very high demands for quality, as well as fast and reliable mobility of people and goods
The existing models include the Aircraft Classification Number/Pavement Classification Number (ACN/PCN), which was developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the runway condition assessment matrix (RCAM), which is used during bad weather by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Maintenance of the airport infrastructure is one of the basic processes in airport management, in which three actors are included: the runway maintenance service, which carries out monitoring and notes changes on the runways; the maintenance and investments director, who analyzes the results of the monitoring and prepares suggestions for renovation plans and investments for the administration; and the administration, which accepts the decisions about their realization

Summary

Introduction

Modern society has very high demands for quality, as well as fast and reliable mobility of people and goods. Noninvasive geodetic and geophysical measurement methods enable the detection of information on and under the surface with high accuracy These methods are not included in the existing models that are used for monitoring the state of the runways. The existing models include the Aircraft Classification Number/Pavement Classification Number (ACN/PCN), which was developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the runway condition assessment matrix (RCAM), which is used during bad weather by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These are not included in the newer models, such as the Boeing method [22]. The detection of distortions, which defines their shape, dimensions, and underlying causes, is a complex process that requires an interdisciplinary approach [23]

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion