Utilization Pattern of Closely Spaced Parallel Runways and simulation of operational efficiency

In construction of parallel runways, currently the mainstream of airport runway configuration, the Closely Spaced Parallel Runways (CSPRs) are frequently employed. This paper first analyzed the different utilization modes of CSPRs with flush or staggered threshold. After which the simulation software “Simmod” was applied to establish computer simulation models for different utilization modes of runways with staggered threshold. In addition, systematic analysis and quantitative evaluation on airport capacity and operational efficiency under such circumstance were conducted. The simulation result suggests: under the existing air traffic control operation rules, a set of CSPRs is capable to support 765~815 movements in each peak day, and around 55 movements in each peak hour. When the inside runway threshold is staggered towards the approach direction and bypass taxiway is provided, the most efficient mode is landing on the inside runway and taking-off from the outside runway. Compared with other modes, it promotes the operation efficiency by about 5%.