Why are rigid runway systems an advantage over articulating systems? Advantages of rigid vs. articulating runway systems: offer more headroom have less risk of loosening hardware have fewer moving parts / less to maintain offer easier positioning have true free standing capability (articulating systems require a separate support structure be built, which can increase costs) require less steel, so they are less expensive and weigh less do not require safety cables do not "crabwalk" down the runways feature anti-binding end trucks utilize trussed runway which can act as stringers between support columns, thus eliminating the need for extra structural steel