Cork Runway Overlay Project
Cork’s runway 16/34 has been in operation since the airport opened in 1961. The runway was originally 1,883m long and was extended by a further 300m in 1989. The original part of the runway was refurbished in 1999. Since its first construction, Cork’s only overlay to date was in 1999. This was completed on the original runway element only. The original runway was approaching the end of its life and the lifespan of the extension had expired.
The runway project is a major part of investment of more than €40m in Cork airport. The main construction works were undertaken on a 24/7 basis over a 10-week period from September 13th, 2021. Construction of the new runway was completed on 22nd November 2021 in advance of the busy Christmas travel period. The project is being supported by government funding of €10m from the Department of Transport, with the balance of the funding coming from daa. The upgrade work involved a structural reconstruction of the main runway, an upgrading of aircraft ground lighting to energy efficient LEDs, the installation of runway edge and centreline lighting, the replacement of secondary cabling and transformers, the construction of a new electrical pit and duct system, upgrading of primary electrical circuits in place since the 1980s, and a new electricity substation to provide back-up for the current substation. These works are necessary to ensure that the main runway at Cork Airport continues to meet and exceed strict national and international regulations governing the operation and specification of runways at major airports and position us well for the future.
Like all current projects, daa included a requirement that the runway overlay be undertaken in accordance with the IS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 standard which provides standards for information modelling and management. Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) were included with tender documentation which referenced Project Information Standards and Project Information Production Methods and Procedures. The main contractor was requested to submit a BIM Execution Plan and a summary of the particulars of the BIM Execution Plan were prescribed in the EIR. Each project includes an EIR which is customised to that project as we need to ensure that the information requirements are tailored for each project while ensuring that there is significant standardisation across projects.
The Project Information Standard is a key document for us which sets out the general presentation and data standards along with prescriptive requirements for Computer Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). We do not wish to dictate how designers and engineers undertake their work but rather we wish to concentrate on information that we can use from design and construction that will assist us with managing that information to benefit those who need to make decisions and at handover for individuals who are responsible for operations and maintenance. For example, Aerodrome Ground Lighting (AGLs) are the lights that are visible on the runway at night and are a very important navigational aid. daa require a register of each along with attributes such as light use, colour, manufacturer, and the substation it is connect to. We also need verified locations for each AGL which will be incorporated into our GIS systems for European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) compliance. Information like this is often included in multiple sources such as drawings, schedules and specifications and it is very time consuming to collate that data in time for operation of a live facility. By being upfront with our requirements and engaging with designs and contractors as early as possible, we can find opportunities to do things better.
This does require that we as a client understand what information we need and when we need it. Some information is required during design in order to make decisions. Some information is required when we go live, and other information can follow shortly afterwards. Our Project Information Production Methods and Procedures set out the requirements for how information is handed over to daa and sets out clear lines of responsibility for contractors and daa staff who need to review the information. The Project Information Production Methods and Procedures also defines how information is issued to daa using our Common Data Environment which is BIM 360. As each project progresses and is handed over, we review what worked well and what didn't and adjust our documentation to make improvements for the next project.
The use of BIM 360 checklists and issues to capture information about inspections and snagging was extremely beneficial. Information was captured at source using tablets and phones. In accordance with the Inspection and Test Plan (ITP), templates for inspections were prepared by the contractor in advance of construction works commencing. The inspections were scheduled in accordance with the agreed frequency of inspections. Each inspection was signed off by the contractor and a daa site engineer. Data from these inspections was available in real-time with photographs as evidence. Any elements of an inspection failed, were raised as issues which were categorized as quality, health & safety, environmental, snagging and commissioning issues. Dashboard reports and scheduled reports helped us understand and manage progress.
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At completion, aerial surveys were undertaken which when overlaid on design drawings picks up a considerable amount of detail which is used to verify the location of assets. The maps produced will also be used to enhance the GIS mapping for the airport.
DAA is taking a strategic view to invest during the downturn, in the long-term interest of the economy given that connectivity at Dublin and Cork will play a key role in helping the recovery from the current crisis. The reconstruction project is the single-biggest construction project, and the biggest investment, by daa at Cork Airport since the opening of the new terminal building in 2006.
Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport’s managing director, said:?“The massive runway reconstruction project was completed on schedule and within budget in a 10-week construction period, during which the airport made the brave decision to close completely to undertake the reconstruction works and be delivered in a quicker time, in a safer environment and with less long-term impacts on airlines and passengers than an alternative of night-time closures next year over a 10-month period next year.”
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Great article Michael. Wel done and thanks, Niall
"BIM" Digital Project Delivery Manager + Construction Site (PM)
3 年Great article Michael, thorough and to the point all in one, as usual. The value in any project is in focused auditing of all deliverables inline with what was originally required, provided requirements were set out clearly and precise from the onset and communicated throughout.
Director of Major Projects UK&I
3 年Great article Michael. Thanks for sharing.
Working with designers & contractors to leverage BIM & Cloud Collaboration technologies to ↑ Efficiency, ↓ Risk, ↓ Waste
3 年Great insights Michael E. in this very successful & important project. Thanks for sharing!