Tarmac is used in the UK for what generically is called asphalt pavement. John McAdam invented road paving using crushed broken stone tamped down, originally bound with water. Tar was used later as a binder, giving rise to the term tar macadam shortened to tarmac. Asphalt is a mixture of aggregate, usually crushed stone) and bituminous material. Runways are generally made of reinforced concrete, which does not deform under heavy impact loads. Taxiways are still often paved with asphalt, which is less expensive but easier to repair. Herman >>I think it comes from tar and MacAdam, a sort of paving >>material. >> >>Chris >> >> >>---- Original message ---- >> >> >>>Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2003 23:17:14 -0500 >>>From: Allan9 <exatc@xxxxxxxxxx> >>>Subject: Re: AIRLINE Digest - 28 Nov 2003 to 29 Nov 2003 >>> >>> >>(#2003-196) >> >> >>>To: AIRLINE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >>> >>>ANd what's the definition of tarmac? >>> >>> > > >