In a first for Australian aviation, CPB Contractors has used a true slipform paving methodology to bring the Australian Federal Government’s Western Sydney International Airport - Airside Civil and Pavements project in New South Wales to life.
With the laying of asphalt on the 3.7km runway now complete, this article looks at the productivity benefits of slipform paving in more detail.
Slipform paving is typically used on roads and bridges. Different to traditional paving methods, it uses a continuously moving mould to shape wet concrete as it's poured, which eliminates the need for expansion joints and creates a seamless surface.
CPB Contractors Project Manager, Noel Kollakompil explains that the decision to embrace slipform paving stemmed from a focus on delivering the project as safely and productively as possible.
“While steel formwork remains the traditional choice for airport pavements, we identified slipform paving as an opportunity to optimise efficiency and enhance safety for our workforce,” he said.
The project team worked collaboratively to develop a concrete mix that could be produced on site at CPB Contractors’ purpose-built batch plant.
Noel said that the mix was specifically engineered for the demands of Sydney's future airport. He added that extensive trials were conducted to ensure its durability under heavy aircraft loads and in a variety of weather conditions.
“We focused on perfecting the concrete mix and completed multiple trials to ensure that the high quality of works was not compromised and that it would stand the test of time and the many landings it will support in the future,” he said.
The adoption of this slipform methodology and removal of steelwork yielded several benefits for the project, including enhanced efficiency, reduced material consumption and increased safety measures.
CPB Contractors is delivering the Western Sydney – Airside, Civil and Pavements project in a joint venture. This is the third project awarded by Western Sydney Airport to the joint venture, following the earlier award of two earthworks packages.