Concrete Safely Stops Overrunning Jet Liner

Engineered Materials Arresting System -- foamed concrete placed after the end of a runway -- passes the test in China

Dec 20, 2011
Foamed concrete placed after the end of a runway stops a Boeing 737 in a test of the Engineered Materials Arresting System.
Foamed concrete placed after the end of a runway stops a Boeing 737 in a test of the Engineered Materials Arresting System.

There's a simple reason why a Boeing 737 wasn't destroyed this week at Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, China, and instead destroyed the concrete runway with its landing gear: it's neither a runway nor concrete. At least, not in the traditional sense.

It's something called EMAS, Engineered Materials Arresting System, a paving system made of foamed concrete, and it may save your life one day.

The Boeing 737 was used to test the effectiveness of the material.

(More on the concrete jet cushion . . . )

Latest in Concrete
The Next Generation of Concrete Protection
Sponsored Content
The Next Generation of Concrete Protection
October 1, 2025
The concrete placement of CenterPoint Logistics Center (Inwood, New York). Concrete contractor: Ruttura & Sons. General contractor: Aurora Contractors.
Optimize Concrete Slab Dowel Design
October 27, 2025
The Next Generation of Concrete Protection
Sponsored Content
The Next Generation of Concrete Protection
October 1, 2025
Fcp Racatac Chair 10893876[1]
MARSHALLTOWN Acquires RACATAC Products Inc.
October 23, 2025
Related Stories
Abrasives where abrasive material is sprayed onto a nylon pad are used for maintenance and light restoration.
Decorative Concrete
Abrasives 101
Think of a vapor retarder as though it were an imaginary 'bathtub' that should hold water if filled. Repair any tears and tape up areas around conduits and pipes.
Concrete Equipment & Products
How to Install Vapor Retarders
Steel plate dowels carry loads across a construction joint, maintain vertical alignment between adjacent slabs and allow concrete shrinkage both perpendicular and parallel to the joint.
Concrete Equipment & Products
Reduce Random Cracking with Plate Dowels
Buddy Rhodes, owner of Buddy Rhodes Concrete Products, achieves the Pressed Surface look in this precast application.
Decorative Concrete
How to Choose a Concrete Countertop Mix Design
More in Concrete
Concrete
Cortec MCI
MCI is is a technology from Cortec Corporation that protects reinforcing steel in concrete from corrosion.
Screenshot 2025 10 08 091352
Sponsored Content
The Next Generation of Concrete Protection
Crafco Inc. (PoreShield)
As the concrete industry moves toward sustainability, PoreShield by Crafco shows you don’t have to sacrifice performance for renewability and safety.
The Next Generation of Concrete Protection
Technology & Services
Why Prefabrication Matters to GCs
Wells
5 talking points on the use of prefabricated concrete.
Prefabricated building components accelerate construction timelines and increase safety on the jobsite.
Rebar Accessories & Equipment
Optimize Concrete Slab Dowel Design
How the Enhanced Integrated Dowel Model provides design recommendations for a complete set of inputs.
The concrete placement of CenterPoint Logistics Center (Inwood, New York). Concrete contractor: Ruttura & Sons. General contractor: Aurora Contractors.
Rebar Accessories & Equipment
Dowel Optimizer Reduces Construction Cost and Improves Sustainability
American Highway
Concrete contractors can find reduced construction costs and improved sustainability through EIDM Software's concrete slab dowel design tool.
American Highway Rebar Dowel Optimization Screenshot 2025 10 09 070606
Surface Prep
MARSHALLTOWN Acquires RACATAC Products Inc.
MARSHALLTOWN Company
Known for its floor creeper saving the knees of contractors, RACATAC has been acquired by MARSHALLTOWN.
Fcp Racatac Chair 10893876[1]
Concrete Equipment & Products
Cold-Weather Concreting: Technical Guidance for Preventing Winter Damage
The Euclid Chemical Company
Let's talk cold weather, concrete, and about what happens when the two meet.
Concrete contractors work efficiently in freezing conditions, following ACI cold weather concreting guidelines to ensure proper placement, finishing, and protection.
Concrete
Hydra Finish Improves Concrete Workability and Surface Durability
Surface Koatings
Hydra Finish, a silica-based finishing aid, helps reduce evaporation and shrinkage in fresh concrete, improving surface workability and finish consistency.
Hydra Finish
Concrete Materials
Certification for a Ternary Blended Cement
Ecocem
Ecocem's ACT I cement received ASTM C1157 certification. Plans to place a foundation in Southern California.
Man In Plant France
Concrete
MCI Solutions Can Help Protect Bridges from Chloride-Induced Corrosion
Cortec MCI
Bridge structures in coastal and cold-weather regions face ongoing corrosion threats from chlorides. MCI solutions can help extend service life through effective corrosion protection and maintenance.
Gojalia Adobe Stock 206676385
Technology & Services
Capture Real-time Aggregate Data to Optimize Mix Design
Giatec Scientific Inc.
Announced during ConcretWorks 2025, Giatec SmartMix is now integrated with alterBiota's digitalAggregate Analysis.
Max Saving Section V2
Concrete Equipment & Products
ProAll to Showcase P8525 Mixer at the 2025 Utility Expo
ProAll
ProAll, a Terex brand, will feature its P8525 mobile volumetric mixer at the 2025 Utility Expo in Louisville, highlighting on-demand concrete production technology designed for utility and infrastructure projects.
Pro All Mobile Mixer
Construction Safety Technology
5 Ways to Protect the Jobsite & Equipment Rental Lot
Wireless CCTV
A Q&A with WCCTV executive vice president Adam Haworth.
Adobe Stock 935033139
Page 1 of 958
Next Page