AirportDrainage Solutions

Airport runways typically require Class E (minimum 100,000 lbs) or Class F (400,000+ lbs) rated drainage systems. The specific requirement depends on the aircraft types using the runway. Commercial airports serving large aircraft like Boeing 777 or Airbus A380 need Class F ratings, while regional airports may specify Class E. All components including channels, grates, and catch basins must meet or exceed the specified load class.

FAA Advisory Circular 150/5320-5D specifies that airport drainage grates must prevent Foreign Object Debris (FOD) from entering the drainage system while also preventing FOD hazards on the surface. Grate openings must be small enough to prevent jet engine ingestion hazards—typically slots no wider than ½ inch perpendicular to traffic. Grates must also be flush with the pavement surface and securely locked to prevent displacement from jet blast.

No, standard commercial trench drains are not suitable for airport taxiways. Airport taxiways require specially designed drainage systems with Class E or F load ratings, FOD-preventing slot patterns, jet fuel and de-icing chemical resistance, and FAA-approved designs. Products like NDS Dura Slope (with heavy-duty grates), ACO K300, and custom-fabricated stainless steel systems are commonly specified for these applications.

Aircraft hangars require drainage systems that handle jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, and cleaning chemicals while supporting aircraft wheel loads. Recommended solutions include stainless steel trench drains (Josam Pro Plus series), polymer concrete channels (ACO K200/K300 with fuel-resistant seals), and oil-water separators before discharge. Trench drains are typically installed at hangar door thresholds and in maintenance areas. Class C-D ratings are often sufficient inside hangars.

FOD (Foreign Object Debris) prevention in airport drainage involves multiple strategies: (1) Using heel-proof grates with small slot openings (typically 3/16" to 1/2") that catch debris before it enters drains; (2) Installing trash/debris baskets in catch basins; (3) Using slotted grates oriented perpendicular to aircraft travel direction; (4) Securing all grates with tamper-resistant locking mechanisms; (5) Regular inspection and cleaning protocols. Many airports specify cast iron or ductile iron grates from US Foundry, EJ, or Neenah for their durability and precise tolerances.

Airport drainage systems must resist jet fuel (Jet-A, JP-8), de-icing fluids (propylene glycol, ethylene glycol), and hydraulic fluids. Recommended materials include: (1) HDPE/polyethylene channels like NDS Dura Slope—naturally chemical resistant; (2) Stainless steel (304 or 316 grade) for grates and channels; (3) Polymer concrete with epoxy sealants; (4) Ductile iron grates with appropriate coatings. Avoid standard concrete, untreated steel, and PVC in fuel-exposed areas.

Airport drainage differs from highway drainage in several key ways: (1) Much higher load ratings—aircraft are heavier than trucks; (2) FOD prevention requirements—debris can damage jet engines; (3) Chemical resistance—exposure to jet fuel and de-icing fluids; (4) Jet blast resistance—grates must stay secured under high-velocity air; (5) Surface smoothness requirements—no trip hazards for ground service vehicles; (6) FAA vs. DOT specifications—different regulatory frameworks. Airport drainage typically costs 3-5x more than equivalent highway drainage.

Airport terminal curbside areas require drainage that handles passenger foot traffic, luggage carts, shuttle buses, and emergency vehicles. Common solutions include: (1) Slot drains with ADA-compliant openings along curb edges; (2) Trench drains at covered drop-off areas; (3) Catch basins at low points in parking lanes. Class C-D load ratings are typically sufficient. NDS Pro Series, ACO K100, and similar mid-range systems work well for terminal areas, with slip-resistant grate surfaces for pedestrian safety.

Yes, most airport jurisdictions require oil-water separators or treatment systems before stormwater discharge. Fuel storage areas, maintenance hangars, and aircraft aprons generate petroleum-contaminated runoff that must be treated to meet EPA NPDES permit requirements and local water quality standards. Separator types include gravity separators, coalescing plate separators, and bioretention systems. Trench drains in fuel areas often connect to dedicated fuel recovery systems rather than the general stormwater system.

Airport apron drainage sizing considers: (1) Rainfall intensity—using local IDF curves and FAA design storms (typically 10-year, 24-hour events); (2) Contributing area—aprons can span hundreds of thousands of square feet; (3) Runoff coefficient—typically 0.95 for concrete aprons; (4) Time of concentration; (5) Slope—aprons are typically graded at 1-1.5%. High-capacity trench drains (12"+ widths) or closely spaced catch basins are used to intercept runoff before it accumulates. Hydraulic calculations should be performed by a licensed engineer per FAA AC 150/5320-5D.