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Interlocking tile system
For effective reinforcement of soft ground on airfields click the links for photos of recent PERFO installations:
See Perfo review in PILOT Feb. 03 edition
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Many airfields in the UK and Europe regularly have serious problems with
soft, unstable ground on grass runways, parking areas
and taxiways. Recent winters having been particularly bad. This results in many lost flying days owing to these areas
on airfields
being unserviceable. As a result many airfield owners, flying clubs and aircraft operators
may also suffer considerable loss of income. |
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Rutting and digging in on soft ground |
No longer a problem once PERFO is installed |
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S2T Aviation now offer help with the patented PERFO system of interlocking tiles for ground reinforcement applications. The
system consists of interlocking PE/PP tiles which are made up into larger sections by simply snapping them together using
the incorporated arrow-head hooks. These sections are then laid directly onto the soft ground and rolled in. The system is ideal
for use on runways, taxiways, aprons and hard-standings, helipads and also as a hangar floor.
The system was first installed at an airfield in Reiselfingen, South West Germany about
6 years ago as a trial project to
reinforce a grass runway, with excellent results. The airfield operators happily report that they have gained several months
extension to their flying season, as a result of major problems
due to soft ground and rutting being overcome through application of the PERFO system. |
Runways and Helipads
(click pictures for full size images)
Perfo runway at Schaffhausen (CH) 3 months after installation
Perfo reinforced helipad
Reiselfingen, Germany
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after laying |
6 months later |
1 year later |
Hangar Floors
Main Advantages
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durable, all weather surface |
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increased flying season & revenue |
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safer, more secure take-off & landing surface |
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secure interlocking tiles prevent standing edges |
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tiles do not rot |
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grass grows back through the tiles, preserving the character of grass airstrips |
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tiles allow water to pass through them. Natural drainage maintained |
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planning permission not required in most countries |
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no special tooling or skills required for installation |
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airfield's own labour force can install the system in a short time |
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tiled matting can be rolled into unprepared soft grass surface |
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tiles can be removed later, if required |
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low cost when compared to alternative options |
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Installation
The best time to install PERFO is when the ground is already soft. PERFO is supplied already made up in pallet sized
sections (121 x 81 cm or 121 x 121 cm). These are then securely clipped together using the patented interlocking system to
provide the required surface area. Any ruts should be filled with a sand/soil mixture and levelled off
beforehand. The sections can then be
laid directly onto the grassed surface. Ideally the grass should be cut as short as possible beforehand. No special tools or
skills are required for installation. Once an
initial area of PERFO sections are in position, they are simply rolled into the soft ground ideally using a vibrating roller or wacker plate as used in road construction.
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Simple 3-step PERFO installation possible in most cases
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1. Lay out tiles in position
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2. Clip them together
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3. Roll them in
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Easy to lay, without special tools or skills
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Within a short time the grass grows back up through the openings in the PERFO tiles, restoring the original appearance of the
grassed area. The natural suction effect of the ground below provides an excellent key which holds the PERFO matting
securely in place. After a short period the system "becomes one" with the original surface, which as a result now has greatly
increased stability and load bearing capabilities. Rutting and bogging down become a thing of the past. |
 Download
PERFO installation guidelines
(PDF format)
here
Videos of PERFO grass reinforcement installations
now online
Click here to view
Costs
Compared to solutions using concrete or tarmac, PERFO is a very economical alternative. Click below for a comparison of the costs for a 30 and 100 m² hardstanding using either PERFO, concrete or tarmac.Click for cost comparison
Pilots' Views of the PERFO System
Pilots who fly from airfields where PERFO has been installed on the grass runway, have praised the firm surface which results.
Take-off runs have become shorter and the overall sensation is of a far safer, more stable and secure take-off and landing
surface, compared to the original grass runway. However, as the pictures show, the natural character of
a grass airstrip is maintained. Although 75% of the new surface is made up of the load bearing and weight distributing PERFO tiles, only
about 10% or less of this remains visible, once the grass has re-established itself. This is normally within the space of a few months.
Civil Aviation Authority Approval
S2T Aviation have been informed by the UK CAA Aerodrome Standards Division that no specific approvals would be required in
the UK for the PERFO system. If an airfield wishes to install the system to reinforce a licensed grass runway, it should be
notified as an "On Aerodrome Development". An inspection may take place after installation, to make sure that the
requirements of CAP 168 continue to be met, although it is unlikely that the use of PERFO would negatively affect this.
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Various views
(click to enlarge)
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4 + 1 tiles
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4+1 underside
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4+1 close-up
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Interlocking |
Interlocking 2 |
Join (underside) |
Download our
PERFO Airfield Application Leaflet
(PDF) here
Further Applications for Perfo Interlocking Tiles |
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