11.4 TYPES OF RUNWAYS

The most basic form of runway is the building member specifically intended for the purpose or approved for use as a runway. Two further common variations of this type are the built in (or encastre) and those suspended from the building structure. Free standing structures may be used to support runways in applications where no suitable building member exists or their use is undesirable. For many applications, a combination of support from the building and a free standing member is not uncommon. Runway tracks may be supported at each end, have supports at intervals along their length or have cantilevered sections. For some special applications, they may be fitted with retractable jib sections, which allow the load to be moved outside of the supporting structure, or with runway switches and turntables, which permit the load to be transferred from one runway track to another. Providing adequate support is given, there is no limit to the length of track and they may include bends or be made in a continuous loop.