AAPTP: Airport Asphalt Technology Program

Fillets

An aerial view of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) showing runways and taxiways and filets at connection points.

Chicago O'Hare Aerial view

Runway 10R/28L at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) showing fillets from taxiways.

Fillets between taxiways and a runway

Runway 1/19 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) showing filets with connecting taxiway.

Fillets near a runway at Reagan National

Intersections between runways and taxiways use fillets to provide a smooth curved pavement edge (see Image).

Fillets present a special paving challenge because airfield pavements are normally paved in long straight pulls. In most instances, fillets can be paved by gradually extending the screed on the fillet side while paving in a straight line; often called “winging out”.

Fillet edges constructed in this manner are likely to be less than perfect, however handwork on the edge and final grading near the edge can usually make them quite presentable. If necessary, edges can also be sawcut.