AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW ON GROOVED RUNWAY PAVEMENTS AND SKID RESISTANCE

ABSTRACT Runway excursions, including overruns and veer-offs, remain one of the most persistent challenges to aviation safety worldwide. Wet and contaminated runways significantly increase the risk of hydroplaning, extended stopping distances, and loss of directional control during aircraft landing and takeoff. To mitigate these hazards, the concept of grooved runways has been widely adopted. Grooving involves cutting transverse channels into the pavement surface to improve friction characteristics, enhance water drainage, and reduce hydroplaning potential. This review paper presents a comprehensive study of the grooved runway concept, examining its evolution, design standards, construction practices, and operational effectiveness. Existing literature and case studies are analyzed to highlight the engineering principles underlying grooving, its role in reducing accident rates, and its performance across varying climatic and operational conditions. Furthermore, the review identifies challenges such as maintenance requirements, structural durability, and cost considerations, while also discussing emerging alternatives and surface treatment technologies. By consolidating research findings, this paper underscores the critical role of grooved runways in improving aircraft safety and operational reliability, and provides insights for future advancements in runway surface engineering. Key words: Grooved runway; Hydroplaning prevention; Runway safety; Surface friction; Water drainage; Aircraft braking performance; Aviation safety