VE Techniques Save Time, Money on Airport Pavement Rehabilitation
ORLANDO, FL — When Atlantic Aviation decided to undertake a substantial pavement rehabilitation and reconstruction project at the Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), they needed to move quickly and complete the 2021 design in approximately six weeks. Atlantic Aviation turned to Benesch’s national team of aviation experts to provide survey, geotechnical and design engineering services on an expedited schedule. Using a value focused approach, the team was able to keep the project on time and within budget.
The project sought to upgrade failing pavements at ORL, on and near the Atlantic Aviation leasehold. Benesch prepared the construction plans for a 1.27-million-square-foot apron rehabilitation and reconstruction project for the Fixed Base Operator (FBO).
“We needed to get the project under construction and as much accomplished by the end of 2021 as possible. Within two days of the notice to proceed, we had surveyors mobilizing to Florida to get started,” said Project Manager Sonya Ceballos. “We knew it was going to be a challenge to meet the deadlines, but with support from various Benesch offices, we were able to quickly tap into a huge breadth of knowledge.”
During design, Benesch coordinated several construction value engineering solutions with Atlantic Aviation. This included limiting the areas of full depth pavement removal, milling the surfaces at various thicknesses, reusing base material and reducing the amount of pavement used based on aircraft operational needs. Benesch’s geotechnical investigation revealed varying pavement thicknesses throughout the project site. Utilizing excess aggregate base in the underlying areas helped to reduce the asphalt thickness needed and minimized material required to be hauled off site.
“The project ended up coming in on time and under budget, which allowed the owner to do a few additional upgrades to the facility.” said Aviation Group Manager Andy Beil. “This project is a prime example of both Benesch’s value focused approach and extensive national expertise.”
In addition to design, Benesch provided daily construction observation and completed material testing quality acceptance. Construction oversight included full-time inspection, as well as completing construction administration associated with the project.
