Originally most airplanes were light enough to be able to use grass runways and the terminals were just tents. As the size of the airplanes increased a different type of runway had to be designed and constructed. The grass was replaced by more durable concrete and the length of the runway was increased as well. More passengers meant the building of terminals.

Civil Engineers, besides being responsible for the design of airport structures, are also involved in the planning of the airport operations. For example, the number, length and orientation of the runways and the location of the airport terminal are crucial to the capacity of the airport in terms of the numbers of aircraft and passengers it can handle.

Hana Airport - Maui

Abbotsford, BC

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Kahului International Airport - Maui

Runway at Kahului airport used by small airplanes

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Calgary International Airport

Opened in 1958, Kai Tak International Airport uses a finger of reclaimed land, extending nearly 3km out into Hong Kong Harbour. Project of the Century: November 1999 issue of the New Civil Engineer photos scanned, with permission from NCE

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The San Francisco International Airport is conducting studies on how to reduce delays and runway closures. One option is to extend the runways into the bay and increase the space between parallel runways. Engineers are researching the potential effects of the runway expansion on circulation, sedimentation, and water quality in the bay. They are also modeling mitigation schemes such as restoration of wetlands.

San Francisco International Airport - 2002

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Civil Engineers are also involved in: