Lafarge keep airport renovation project flying

Limited working times, noise constraints and a preset budget were just some of the challenges that had to be overcome by Lafarge Contracting during a project to renovate Dundee Airport’s runway. The contracting division, part of Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK, liaised closely with the airport to deliver the resurfacing of the main runway, taxiway and aprons on budget and on schedule.

Within the strict 12-week time limit for the £1.7 million scheme, Lafarge Contracting ensured there were no disruptions to flights, customers or visitors.

Dundee Airport is an important strategic link between the east coast of Scotland and the rest of the UK, including London, Birmingham and Belfast, and is home to a large number of businesses, private and leisure aircraft, and an on-site flight school.

Works took place during the night, which allowed the airport to remain fully operational. Impacts on neighbours were considered too. At weekends, night shifts started earlier, at 5pm, with works completed no later than midnight, while the timings of the ‘noisier’ elements of the programme were also altered.

Environmental considerations are always a priority for Lafarge Contracting and the Dundee project was no exception. Planed-off asphalt from the existing runway was reused to construct perimeter roads and access to the fire training ground, resulting in no construction material going to landfill, thereby reducing truck movements and consequent carbon emissions.

In addition, the company devised a cheaper way to fulfil the site’s required drainage improvements by replacing riser units with porous asphalt, saving the client around £40,000.

Daniel Jackson, Lafarge Contracting air and defence specialist, said: ‘Maintaining full operational capacity at the airport during the works was essential, and thanks to our robust and proactive planning, comprehensive communication strategy, flexibility and resourcefulness we were able to ensure this happened.’