Apron 5H is a Code C/E compatible remote aircraft parking apron located to the north of the main Dublin Airport terminal area. The adjacent Apron 5G immediately to the west was completed in the late 2010s and Apron 5H provides additional remote stand capacity. The area consists of new PQC parking stands, a reconstructed asphalt taxilane, high mast lighting and associated ground support equipment. The apron’s strategic location next to the new north runway gives it convenient access to link taxiways and fast egress for departures.
MOC Associates was appointed by the successful contractor during the ECI phase to explore potential value engineering opportunities. We carried out a value engineering assessment of the client’s outline design and proposed several alternative approaches for the contractor to offer a better value solution.
We firstly reassessed the concrete depths using a material with a higher flexural strength and varying ground conditions. We compared the results using different international design standards – one according to the FAA and one according to the UK Ministry of Defence. A similar exercise was undertaken on the asphalt pavement designs. Using contractor-supplied rates, we then created a matrix of costed options per square metre allowing the estimators to fine-tune their price according to discreet geographic areas.
Secondly, we examined the design aircraft and fleet mix and made further refinements based on aircraft that better represented those that will be in service over the next thirty years. This approach yielded a less conservative solution to that of the client’s outline design yet still provided the flexibility required for a mixed use Code C/E remote apron.
Lastly, we examined the typical details supplied with the tender documentation and proposed a reduction to reinforcement in select PQC bays. Alternatives to using dowels across the paved area were also proposed. We also highlighted the risk of reflective cracking with some details, non-compliances according to standards and highlighted where perimeter roads could be value engineered.
This assessment enabled the tendering contractor to engage the employer with substantial opportunity for cost savings. It also enabled them to query non-compliances in the outline design and to better understand its position on liability for details that did not support the specified design life. Our deliverables included an overall summary for the estimating team to refer to as well as detailed supporting calculations to strengthen their proposals and commercial considerations
Summary of key points
- Significant VE opportunities discovered in pavements designs.
- Identified several non-compliances in outline design following compliance check.
- Identified commercial liabilities in proposed details which required clarification by the contractor