The Analysis and Design of a Frangible Approach Lighting Structure

Federal Aviation Administration/Structure Engineering, 2002-03

Liaison(s): Giles Strickler
Advisor(s): Clive Dym
Students(s): Ryan Ellis (PM), Bret Rosen, Clifford Wassman, Michelle Sakai

Airport runway lights require structural supports of varying heights, depending on the surrounding terrain. The Federal Aviation Administration currently uses structures that are frangible (break upon impact) for heights up to forty feet, and non-frangible structures for heights over forty feet. The FAA has asked the Clinic team to analyze the stability of the frangible structures in flood conditions, and also to design a more frangible structure to replace the existing non-frangible structures.