Rough Runways
In Far Eastern Russia, during six years of Corporate Jet operations, the locals used to take bets on when the undercarriage of the "Western Jets" would collapse through the use of their concrete slab runways.
The problem was the filling material between the slabs used to deteriorate and/or come out due to the thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes over the year.(approximately minus 35C to plus 35C).
The runways were rough, however the "Western Jets" stood up to them well and the money was kept for the drinks!
The Russian aircraft were very strong in the undercarriage department.
Tmb