Grooving on runway 11/29

With this order from August 2016, ÖBA made the airfield at Vienna Schwechat Airport a lot safer: to minimise the risk of jets hydroplaning during take-off and landing, grooves were cut into the asphalt at right angles to the direction of travel.

This technique, referred to by specialists as “grooving”, ensures that surface water drains more quickly. A special device called a “bumpcutter” was used. The ÖBA team worked in night shifts, and their high level of precision and coordination allowed this fascinating project to be brought to a rapid and successful close.