CHALLENGE

When strategically placed, remote deicing facilities can provide a number of benefits to an airport. These include improved gate utilization, increased on-time performance, reduced time between the final deicing/anti-icing application and takeoff, and overall improved ramp conditions and safety. Based on these operational benefits, deicing pads have become the go-to solution for airlines and airports to increase capacity through more efficient operation.

To maximize the functionality of airline deicing equipment and operations, United Airlines required a qualified firm to incorporate its facility and operational needs into the overall facility pad. Designed for independent airline deicing operations, the facility required a collaborative interface between city planners, designers, contractors and other airline users.

The project would need to take into account the integration of ground service equipment (GSE) needs. The GSE area required positive drainage to eliminate ponding and reduce the possibility of freezing conditions on the pad. Additionally, underground utility infrastructure had not been fully integrated or tied in. This included glycol storage and distribution, information technology (IT) infrastructure, water supply, and sanitary sewer. Preliminary pavement grades were established by CDA, but Burns & McDonnell coordinated grading revisions with CDA’s design team to improve drainage and accessibility around United’s deicing infrastructure.

Finally, the site had previously been utilized as a centralized material recycling and processing area for concrete, asphalt and other miscellaneous airport construction materials and debris. This further complicated the excavation process.