Department of Defence c/o BGIS – RAAF Base Richmond Engine Run-up Pad Construction Works

Project Overview: Civilcraft has been appointed as the Principal Contractor by BGIS to reconstruct the Engine Run-up Pad (ERU) that was damaged by routine and re-occurring engine runs. The excessive thrust of aircraft caused sections of the wearing course to be propelled, creating a FOD risk for aircraft. This repair was required immediately in order to maintain safe airfield operations.

Project Components:

• Conducting waste classification and geotechnical testing of the existing pavement area.
• Removing and disposing of material to an approved waste facility.
• Reinstating multi-layered pavement.
• Supplying, compacting, and laying specialty airport asphalt mix.
• Applying rubber bitumen bandaging to all interfaces with existing pavement.
• Landscaping to surrounding pavement as per airfield standards.
• Reinstating line marking to MOS 139 standards.

Key Challenges and Risks:

• Working in a live airport environment that requires close coordination with the airfield authorities, base operations, and other stakeholders.
• Maintaining safety and preventing F.O.D. (Foreign Objects of Debris) risk during the construction process.
• Ensuring effective communication for all truck movements to and from the work site with trained and approved Work Safety Officers.
• Efficient planning to minimise the duration of works, as the Engine Run-up Pad is a crucial location for all preflight checks.
• Ensuring airfield pavement construction meets strict regulatory standards whilst maintaining quality control throughout the construction process.
• Executing the project safely and within a strict timeline and at the same time minimising disruption to ongoing airport operations which required careful planning, management, and execution.