What are the most effective airport design principles for extreme weather conditions?

1 Location and orientation

The first and most important factor in airport design is the location and orientation of the site. Airports should avoid areas that are prone to flooding, landslides, earthquakes, or other natural hazards. They should also consider the prevailing wind direction, solar exposure, and topography of the land, and align their runways and terminals accordingly. This can help reduce the risk of crosswinds, turbulence, glare, and noise, and improve the energy efficiency and comfort of the buildings.

2 Drainage and flood protection

Another key aspect of airport design is the drainage and flood protection system. Airports should have adequate drainage capacity to handle the runoff from heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or storm surges. They should also have flood barriers, pumps, and backup power sources to prevent water from entering critical areas, such as runways, taxiways, aprons, hangars, and terminals. Additionally, airports should use permeable pavements, green roofs, and rain gardens to reduce surface runoff and enhance water quality.

3 Snow and ice management

Snow and ice can cause significant disruptions and delays for airport operations, affecting the safety and performance of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel. Airports should have effective snow and ice management strategies, such as plowing, blowing, melting, or deicing, to clear the runways, taxiways, aprons, and parking areas as quickly as possible. They should also use anti-icing or heated materials to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice on the surfaces. Furthermore, airports should have adequate storage and disposal facilities for the snow and ice waste, and monitor the environmental impacts of the chemicals and pollutants.

4 Thermal comfort and energy efficiency

Extreme heat and cold can also affect the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of airport buildings, requiring more heating or cooling to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Airports should use passive design principles, such as insulation, shading, ventilation, and daylighting, to reduce the heat gain or loss through the building envelope. They should also use renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or geothermal, to power their heating or cooling systems, and implement smart controls and sensors to optimize their energy consumption.