San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has been identified as having one of the fastest-sinking runways in the nation, according to recent research. A study conducted by researchers from Virginia Tech examined elevation changes on runways at 15 coastal airports across the United States and found that SFO has a subsidence rate of nearly 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) per year. In comparison, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) had the slowest rate of sinking.
While much attention has been given to the deteriorating state of roads and bridges in the country, researchers emphasize the importance of addressing the aging infrastructure of runways as well. The limited funding available for airport maintenance has resulted in the deterioration of many runways, posing significant risks to the safety of millions of travelers who rely on air travel every day.
Oluwaseyi Dasho, an environmental hazard specialist at Virginia Tech, explains that the lack of funding has contributed to the deteriorating condition of airport infrastructures. Dasho and his advisor, Manoochehr Shirzaei, conducted the study to gain a better understanding of the state of coastal airports’ runways and other transportation infrastructure. They focused on measuring subsidence, which refers to the gradual sinking of the ground surface. Cracks or bulging on runways can lead to accidents for passengers and flight crews, making it crucial to monitor even minor shifts over time.
The research, which will be presented at the AGU’s Annual Meeting in San Francisco, involved surveying the infrastructure of 15 coastal airports in the US over a period of seven years (2015-2022). The researchers utilized the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 radar satellite to measure surface elevation with submillimeter precision. This level of accuracy allowed them to detect small-scale changes in infrastructure, including ground deformation caused by thawing and freezing.
Among the 15 airports studied, San Francisco International Airport had the highest subsidence rate, sinking at a rate of 9.6 millimeters per year. On the other hand, Los Angeles International Airport had the slowest rate, with a subsidence rate of 1.7 millimeters per year.
Despite the concerning findings, the research also revealed that more than 96% of the analyzed runway areas, which covered nearly 7 million square meters (1,718 acres), were at low risk of damage due to subsidence. However, approximately 0.3% of runway areas, equivalent to about 13,825 square meters (3.5 acres), were classified as high or very high risk. Ronald Reagan International Airport in Arlington, Virginia, as well as Tampa International and Orlando International Airport in Florida, were identified as airports with high-risk areas.
While the recent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated substantial funding for the improvement of US infrastructure, the researchers note that the demand for maintenance far exceeds the available budget. This study aims to assist policymakers in prioritizing limited funds to address critical infrastructure needs.
Oluwaseyi Dasho highlights the importance of prioritizing infrastructure updates to ensure equitable transportation infrastructure, particularly for underserved and socially vulnerable communities. These updates will enable the development and implementation of adaptation and mitigation strategies in response to climate change. Manoochehr Shirzaei adds that the technology used in this study provides clear insights into the condition of infrastructure and identifies areas that require immediate attention.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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