PIT Pioneered the Use of Chemical-Free Method to Remove Runway Rubber Deposits

Twenty years ago, Pittsburgh International Airport transformed the way airports remove the black rubber skid marks on runways.

When a plane lands, its tires do not spin; instead, they rapidly accelerate to match the speed of the aircraft upon touchdown. This process generates brief but intense friction, leaving rubber streaks on the runway.

These marks are normal and expected, but airport maintenance crews carefully monitor them to ensure that runway safety standards are consistently upheld.

Runways are typically cleaned every few weeks or months, depending on the volume of traffic. If rubber buildup is not addressed, it can reduce friction and increase the risk of hydroplaning, particularly in wet conditions. Therefore, regular rubber removal is vital for maintaining runway safety and complying with federal aviation standards.

In the early 2000s, airports relied on chemicals like Avion50 or biodegradable solvents to soften the rubber buildup on runways, making it easier to be removed. After the chemicals were sprayed on, the area was cleaned with scrubbers, brushes or water jets. The rubber residue came up like tar.

However, this method was not ideal for achieving the desired friction levels and posed potential health and environmental risks if the chemicals were not applied and disposed of properly.

A Stripe Hog SH8000 clears rubber from PIT’s Runway 10L/28R on May 29, 2025. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

In 2006, PIT became the first airport in the world to adopt the Stripe Hog SH8000 system, which removes rubber deposits from runways without the use of chemicals. Since then, the Stripe Hog water blasting system has been implemented at numerous domestic airports including in Charlotte, Tampa, Houston, Boston and Dallas, as well as at international airports such as Riyadh, Dubai, London-Heathrow and Václav Havel Airport Prague.

PIT continues to use the Stripe Hog SH8000 system and recently ordered a new unit to expand its operations.

The system uses ultra-high-pressure water jets that operate at pressures up to 40,000 psi, effectively stripping rubber buildup from runway surfaces without the need for abrasive or hazardous chemicals. This method enhances safety by restoring runway friction and minimizes environmental impact.

The Stripe Hog system includes an integrated vacuum recovery mechanism that collects debris and wastewater during the cleaning process. This feature not only prevents environmental contamination but also enhances overall efficiency. The self-contained system captures all debris and wastewater, which is filtered and treated or disposed of offsite.

Additionally, the Strip Hog process doesn’t damage the runway and can be performed in less time that the previous system. The reduction in cleaning time decreases runway downtime and minimizes flight delays.

The system aligns with PIT’s sustainability goals and compliance requirements.

“Rubber removal is part of PIT’s routine runway maintenance,” said Jim Moorehead, Allegheny County Airport Authority’s Vice President of Airport Operations. “This maintenance not only meets FAA requirements but also is a proactive investment in safety, efficiency and long-term sustainability of PIT’s operations.”