Department of Defence c/o BGIS – RAAF Base Richmond Airside Works

Project Overview: BGIS engaged Civilcraft to undertake various airside works at RAAF Base Richmond which involved the construction of background circles at wind direction indicators (3 locations), construction of arrestor cable structures adjacent to the runway (4 locations) and removal of redundant footings at runway ends. The works were undertaken to ensure airfield compliance with MOS Part 139 Aerodromes.

Project Components:

• Site establishment including site facilities, temporary fencing, management plans, protection of existing services and dilapidation reports.
• Remove and dispose off-site of excavated materials to the design depth. Removal and disposal to be undertaken in accordance with legislative requirements including all sampling, testing and classification in accordance with EPA requirements.
• Construction of 1.2m wide circular concrete edge beams (background circles) to wind socks and infill with road base and asphalt surfacing to meet contrast requirements.
• Construction of concrete aprons at arrestor cable structures adjacent to the runway.
• Demolition and removal of various concrete footings at runway ends and reinstating with topsoil and turf to match existing levels.
• Provision of as-built documentation.

Key Challenges and Risks:

• Working in a high security environment.
• Working airside requiring Works Safety Officers (WSO) & curfew (night) works.
• Completion and reinstatement including jet blast stabilization by the end of each curfew shift for works within the runway strip.
• Access to the construction site was limited due to the Bases security protocols and operational requirements which include DCAC’s for personnel and engagement of WSO’s. The construction team worked closely with Base ATC & WSO’s to ensure that there was compliance with MOWP requirements while minimising disruption to airfield operations.