Airport Projects Research Articles

The future of airport noise: a comprehensive analysis of population exposure at Dublin airport 2023 to 2030

There are conflicting trends in the impact of aircraft noise as increased air traffic is offset by advancements in low noise aircraft technology. This paper considers the case of Dublin Airport and projects the noise impact of operations over the timeline to 2030. The airport projects an (Average Annual Growth Rate) of 1.2 %, translating to an estimated rise in annual air traffic movements from over 212736 flights in 2023 to around 244635 flights in 2030. This estimated increase poses not only logistical challenges for airports but also an escalation in noise pollution in the surrounding areas. The most significant challenge in predicting future airport noise exposure lies in the shifts in aircraft fleet distribution and the adoption of technology in newer generations of aircraft. This paper evaluates the most likely combination of fleet distribution and technology uptake. In 2023, the noise footprint is projected to affect a population of approximately 105762 people with Lden ≥ 55 dB. By 2030, this exposure increases to 168267 people. The increase in air traffic numbers also leads to a notable increase in nighttime flights, bringing nighttime noise exposure Ln ≥ 50 dB from 127720 in 2023 to 189376 in 2030.

Implementation of Progressive Design-Build in Airport Capital Construction Projects

Alternative contracting methods (ACMs) have been increasingly used for airport capital construction projects to explore the opportunity for achieving better cost and time savings than traditional design-bid-build. Progressive design-build (PDB), an emerging variation of design-build, stands out as a promising delivery method that promotes collaboration between project stakeholders. Although PDB has been successfully used across building, water/wastewater, and transit construction sectors, its implementation in the aviation industry is still limited because of legislative considerations, regulatory policies, and funding constraints. A research gap exists in systematically investigating current practices in implementing PDB in airport projects. The main objective of this study is to explore the selection criteria, implementation strategies, success factors, and lessons learned from using PDB for airport capital construction projects. This study employed a triangulation research methodology, including a comprehensive review of PDB guidance and manuals, an industry survey of 39 airports across the U.S., and structured interviews with 12 airport representatives. This study found that the top four criteria for selecting PDB are: flexibility to handle complexity, reducing claims, industry input on constructability, and cost control. The main benefits of using PDB for airport construction projects include improving project schedules, enhancing design control levels, and better management of project complexity and risks. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing insights into the current PDB practices for airport capital projects. Lessons learned from implementing PDB can help airport authorities and owners better administer and manage their projects.

Comparative analysis of critical factors for BIM adoption in airport

Through the review and summary of the previous study, it is found that the construction industry has many inherent problems, and at the same time, with the impact of the coronavirus epidemic swept the world, the intrinsic problems within the construction industry are more prominent, so it is time for the construction industry to apply new technologies to solve the increasingly prominent problems, and BIM technology as an innovative technology that has been widely used in construction industry recent years, the benefits it brings to construction projects are still being explored, but It is found that BIM technology can be applied not only to construction projects, but also to infrastructure projects, so it is also applicable to airport projects, which belong to infrastructure construction. This research summarized a template of BIM roadmap for airport project facilities over the full life cycle, investigated the universal benefits and barriers among case reviews. Provides suggestion to BIM practitioners who confronts barriers for a better BIM implementation effect.

대형 국책 프로젝트 성과 달성을 위한 PMC(Project management Consultant) 도입의 필요성에 관한 연구

Recently, global construction companies are turning to PMC, a high value-added business. However, domestic construction engineering companies are still conducting projects focused on detailed design and construction supervision. This study aims to investigate the necessity of introducing PMC by analyzing the cases of completed projects in which PMC was introduced among domestic construction projects. Among the large-scale national projects in Korea, examples of the application of global standard PM include nuclear power plant projects in the 1970s, Gyeongbu High Speed Rail, Incheon International Airport, Incheon Bridge and Yongsan United States Forces Korea Base Relocation Plan (YRP) projects. However, these projects are PMC projects carried out by advanced global companies in Korea. There is an implication in that the necessity of introducing PMC for the successful completion of large-scale national projects was analyzed through the case analysis of these projects.

Determination of the Most Appropriate Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods for Airport Projects: A Fuzzy VIKOR Approach

Being prone to dispute, airport projects involve diverse stakeholders including also national and international aviation authorities, and this complicates the dispute resolution process in these projects. Hence, decision-makers should not entirely rely on standard forms of contracts to settle disputes in airport projects. Instead, these projects necessitate a specific dispute resolution framework that meets their needs. Even though some effort has already been devoted to developing a framework for ADR selection, most of these studies neglect airport projects. Furthermore, existing studies fell short of adopting more advanced techniques such as fuzzy set logic and Fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija | Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), posing a variety of drawbacks. Thus, this study aims to guide decision-makers by developing a selection framework of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to resolve disputes in airport projects. Firstly, the literature was reviewed comprehensively to reveal the criteria affecting the selection of ADR methods. Next, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) session was conducted with the participation of 17 experts who have diverse experiences in the dispute resolution process in airport projects to omit or validate the detected criteria obtained from the literature review. This was then followed by the Fuzzy VIKOR method to evaluate the importance of each ADR method. In the final step, sensitivity analysis was performed to confirm the reliability of the results. The results confirmed that a plethora of factors governs the ADR selection process, pinpointing the need for a systematic and holistic framework. Secondly, the “Expert Determination” was determined to be the most convenient ADR method for airport projects. The “Expert Determination” was followed by the “Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB)” and “Arbitration”, respectively. Revealing the very first holistic framework concerning ADR selection for airport projects, this study significantly contributes to the dispute resolution domain. Furthermore, this proposed framework is believed to have promising benefits for the decision-makers while drafting the contract clauses in terms of ADR methods in airport projects.

An experimental and numerical investigation on the load transfer efficiency of a novel prefabricated cement concrete pavement

Prefabricated cement concrete pavement (PCCP) is utilized more frequently in airport projects. Load transfer efficiency (LTE) is an essential mechanical index of PCCP. This study proposes a novel PCCP surrounded by tongue and groove joints. It uses both physical and numerical modeling to perform the investigation, and the mechanical responses and the LTE of the novel PCCP are presented in the experiments. The experimental results showed that the presence of tenon and mortise causes a difference in the stresses of two longitudinal and two transverse joints. Subsequently, a finite element model is developed to simulate the PCCP with and without transverse tongue and groove joint. In addition, the influence of different slab thicknesses, joint rigidity, and base elastic modulus on LTE is also discussed. The findings demonstrated that the transverse joints change the pavement slab's stress state. The LTE of the slab without a transverse joint is slightly larger than that with a transverse joint, while the maximum horizontal tensile stress of the slab without a transverse joint is 395% higher than that with a transverse joint on average. It is also observed that increasing the joint rigidity improves the LTE, whereas increasing the slab thickness decreases the LTE, and increasing the base modulus has no discernible effect on the LTE. Comparing the experimental and numerical results reveals a good agreement.

A critical appraisal of public-private-partnership as a financial model and critical success factors in aviation sector in Turkey

Purpose- Due to the complexity and high-tech nature of airport projects, their completion takes a substantial amount of time and cost, posing significant financial hurdles for governments. In recent decades, infrastructure finance challenges are increasingly being met through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which brings together public and private sectors to build and maintain public facilities. This study provides an overview of the PPP model and the major stakeholders in its implementation. In addition, the financial structuring of PPP projects and the financial instruments typically employed in PPP model is also highlighted. Besides, it is aimed to discuss the critical success factors of PPP model in airport projects in Turkey. Methodology- In this study, the charactheristics of PPP model, its associated stakeholders and the financial structure of PPP projects are highlighted through a review of literature and it is aimed to determine and classify the critical success factors of PPP model in airport projects in Turkey. Findings- PPP project contracts need to address the adequate sharing of risk, profit, and the costs associated with making new investments. In the study, the macro-level and project-level critical success factors are determined through a review of literature and classified into 7 sub-groups. Conclusion- In a general sense, a PPP project is considered successful if its objectives are met and its stakeholders are satisfied with the results. Besides, taking into consideration the significant EBITDA profitability of PPP airport projects in Turkey, the government’s partnership in the SPV companies with a public minority share is proposed in order to make it possible for the public to get its share of the profit and to gain more control over these companies. In this model, since the government is involved in the project as an active actor with its legislative power and expertise, the resilience, transparency, and profitability of the project will increase, and both sides may benefit more from the PPP project. Keywords: Public-private-partnership, aviation industry, critical success factors, airport investments JEL Codes: L93, R42, G20, H81

Research on the Risk Warning and Control of the Project Progress of Beijing Daxing International Airport

<p>Based on the theory of progress control and risk management, this paper systematically sorts out the progress risk of Beijing Daxing International Airport, discusses the general schedule and progress risk identification model and its approach, and constructs multi-level early warning and dynamic monitoring methods for progress risk. Meanwhile, the method for general schedule and progress risk management of large-scale airport projects is also studied. The practice of early warning and control of the general schedule and progress risk of Daxing Airport project has achieved good results, which provides support for the comprehensive progress control of Daxing Airport project, and guarantees the realization of the target completion time of general schedule.</p>

Achieving a return on investment from airport technology projects

Following a series of global events completely outside of its control, the aviation industry has started to look once again to the future. The focus can now turn from crisis management towards investing in the future of the infrastructure, the technology and the way that services are delivered to passengers and stakeholders. Recovery must, however, be achieved within the constraints of industry best practice in sustainability, new technologies and, of course, available financial resources. Never before has the importance of achieving a demonstrable return on investment (ROI) been placed on every airport development project, irrespective of scale. This paper provides an overview of how ROI can be built into airport projects, how it can be achieved and how it can be measured. The paper also highlights the importance of ROI as a corporate strategy that is reflected through every aspect of airport development and operation.

We learn more from our mistakes than from our successes: Lessons learned on ORAT and failed activation of airport passenger terminals

Building an airport is no easy task. Neither is delivering it in a state of operational readiness, which must encompass facility, system and people readiness. History is full of examples of (in)famous airport opening failures because of mistakes made during construction and activation. This paper will explore poor Operational Readiness Activation and Transition (ORAT) processes as a key reason for the failure of airport projects, with a thorough analysis of a recommended ORAT programme framework, comprising six core processes, three support processes and six project management processes. Each process is explained in a practical manner, in a recipe-like format and with the dos and do nots that increase the chances of successful delivery on opening day and daily operations thereafter. The paper highlights the real-life issues that come with tracking and improving every step of the construction and trials to ensure the operational readiness of the airport.

Detecting the most appropriate delay analysis methods for mega airport projects

PurposeThis study aims to detect the most appropriate delay analysis method in mega airport projects.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the criteria affecting the selection of delay analysis methods were detected through an in-depth literature review and an expert panel, which was conducted with 12 experts who have experience in delay analysis domain in mega airport projects. Later, fuzzy VIKOR (VIsekriterijumska optimizacija i KOmpromisno Resenje) approach was conducted by considering the detected selection criteria and the most common delay analysis methods.FindingsWindows Analysis method was detected as the best option for mega airport projects. It was followed by Time Impact Analysis (TIA), collapsed as-built analysis, as-planned vs as-built method and impacted as-planned method, respectively.Originality/valueEach project has its own characteristics and thus requires specific management techniques; therefore, selecting a delay analysis method without considering the project types and size may cause conflicts between the contracting parties. On the one hand, numerous fruitful studies concerning delay analysis methods have been conducted in the literature, but on the other hand, none of them has considered project characteristics in terms of project size and type while selecting the most appropriate delay analysis method. Moreover, the larger the size of a project is, the more vulnerable it is to encounter with delays. Mega airport construction projects are complex in their nature in that they are large size and involve multi-disciplinary processes; thus, they need special attention in the process of resolving delays. This study intended to fill this gap in the literature by focusing on selection of the most appropriate delay analysis method for mega airport projects, and it is clear that considering the project type and size in the selection of delay analysis methods will provide more reliable outcomes.

Tracking and Monitoring Technologies to Support Airport Construction Safety

This paper discusses how advanced tracking and monitoring technologies can be used to increase safety for construction activities at airports. Airport construction is a significant infrastructure sector and in 2020 the Airport Improvement Program funded $300 million for airport projects in the United States. This includes funding for pavement reconstruction, airfield upgrades to meet current standards (e.g., wider runways), the construction of new terminal facilities, and additional capacity (e.g., new runways). The airfield environment presents special hazards for constructors, including proximity to active aircraft operations, and the requirement to comply with many additional rules such as those required by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Agency (TSA); many of these rules are required to ensure safety and security. Airport construction activities require close oversight, additional inspections by airport operations personnel, and stringent rules regarding access and operation in different areas of the airfield. Access and operating requirements affect both construction workers and construction equipment, and there are often different rules for different areas at the airport. One of the most restricted areas on an airport is the runway. Access to the runway and the safety area around a runway requires explicit permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC). If a vehicle or pedestrian (or aircraft) crosses the boundary without permission, it is considered a runway incursion. A runway incursion could cause a major incident at the airport and could result in injuries and fatalities. Runway incursion events are recorded by the FAA and represent a serious safety violation for the airport. Runway incursions and the technology to prevent incursions are discussed as an example that illustrates the need for and benefits of accurate monitoring of construction equipment and personnel. Technologies that may be used to enhance tracking and support situational awareness are present to illustrate the possible ways that enhanced monitoring can be used at an airport. Solutions may include the use of advanced technologies such as real-time vehicle location sensors, which may be combined with robust electronic maps to enhance safety for construction equipment and personnel location in the airfield environment. A discussion of opportunities and challenges of these systems is detailed.

Economic Statecraft in Anglo-Chinese Relations: Recalling the Hong Kong Airport Negotiations

ABSTRACT This analysis demonstrates the use of economic statecraft in Anglo-Chinese negotiations over a new airport for Hong Kong. Leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 1991, Chinese negotiators used bargaining leverage to withhold support for the airport and related projects to obtain British agreement for ‘consultation’ over major projects that straddled the transfer of sovereignty in 1997. Subsequent British flexibility on the timing of the project’s completion meant that Chinese attempts to use leverage on the airport in further talks after 1992 were somewhat less effective. Nevertheless, wider difficulties in the bilateral relationship and the legacy of distrust slowed detailed negotiations over airport financing, with the final pieces only put in place in 1995. Based on the perceptions of negotiators on both sides, there existed a tendency for each side to see their negotiating position as reasonable and justified, and the other as duplicitous or unreliable.

Building Energy Management in Airport Construction Projects Utilizing BIM Technique

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the modern technologies that has become widely applied in many aspects of construction projects and energy management. This paper aims to use modern technologies in designing and constructing airports to control energy consumption, know the possible strategies to obtain the lowest consumption and the most appropriate cost, and compare simulated electrical energy outcomes with actual electrical energy consumption. By investigating the impact of sun path analysis on energy performance, analysis and evaluation of energy performance, and water usage. Analysis using BIM technology tools. As the airports are the largest part of buildings in energy consumption and due to the lack of research available in Iraq on how to obtain optimal use of the consumption of available electricity and water efficiency in Airport projects that can be used to obtain an environmentally and economically sustainable airport. Using BIM technology and the associated programs, it is possible to know the optimal strategies in terms of economic terms. The environment in the early stages of the life of the project. The idea of this study applied to one terminal of Baghdad international airport. The results illustrate that BIM is very useful to perform various analyses that help find different strategies for improving the project’s energy efficiency, such as sun path analysis and GBS tool based on BIM helpful technology tool to energy analysis. The result illustrates that most energy electricity consumption goes for cooling space with consumption around 63871 kWh in August month and most fuel consumption for the purpose space heat with consumption around 1409261 MJ in January month and where indoor water-saving around (23.7%). GBS tool based on BIM technology is an effective tool that can help designers and architects to energy performance assessment and calculate energy costs in the early design stage were help in finding the best solutions that contribute to improving energy efficiency in the early stages of the project life cycle.

Short review of concepts and practices in green airports in China

Becoming a green airport is an inevitable trend of future airport construction. In recent years much effort has been put towards developing green airports in China. This paper reviewed the evolution of the concepts of green airports, analyzed the domestic green airport projects according to the publicity material, to provide some useful suggestions for the future development of green airports in China.

Decision making framework for the proactive policy conflict management: The case of new airport projects in South Korea.

We propose a decision-making framework on infrastructure policy conflict management based on a scientific approach. We developed a decision-making framework that consists of the systematic conflict structure diagnosis, decision-making accordingly, and feedback to be used consistently in the policy life cycle and applied it to new airport projects in South Korea. We suggested a model structure of conflict factors leading to the generation of conflict situations and damages in the process and developed the conflict level diagnosis table and the conflict level matrix formed of the possibility of conflict generation and the severity based on the table. We then implemented a decision-making framework that includes decision-making based on it. The case analysis results confirmed the need for a structural diagnosis of conflict and decision-making based on the framework. The developed framework is expected to have scalability for science progress on infrastructure policy conflict management.

BIM-based time-cost optimization of a large-span spatial steel structure in an airport terminal building

PurposeAirports are booming in China, to enlarge their capacities and stimulate economic development. Large-span spatial steel structures are commonly used in the terminal buildings of airport projects. Their advantages include prefabrication, strength, usability, adaptability and aesthetic quality. To manage large-span spatial steel structure projects, building information modeling (BIM) is recommended. Although there are plenty of studies on BIM application in steel structure projects, it is still rare to apply BIM to optimize the schedule and cost of steel structures, especially for airport projects.Design/methodology/approachThis paper aims to develop a framework in which BIM and a time-cost optimization model are integrated to optimize construction costs and the duration of large-span spatial steel structure projects. A real case study was conducted to verify the feasibility of the BIM-based time-cost optimization model in an airport terminal building, which was built with a large-span spatial steel structure.FindingsThe results preliminarily support the reliability of the proposed BIM-based time-cost optimization model. The BIM-based time-cost optimization model will benefit construction planning for professionals and enrich relevant research on the application of BIM in large-span spatial steel structure projects.Originality/valueThe steel structure is difficult to control budgets and progress. This paper is expected to be adopted for optimizing the time and cost plans for projects involving steel structures in airport terminal buildings.

Decarbonising gate operations through clean energy solutions

Civil aviation authorities, working with their airport, airline and aviation business partners, are developing plans to achieve carbon-neutral aviation growth from 2020. This paper discusses how, in order to meet this goal, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Member States have agreed to a basket of measures for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from international aviation. One effective measure identified is replacing aircraft auxiliary power unit emissions with gate electrification systems and solar power as described in the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism small-scale methodology: solar power for domestic aircraft at-gate operations. ICAO, with funding support from international partners, has recently completed three airport pilot projects — in Cameroon, Jamaica and Kenya — that demonstrate how States can implement the solar at-gate measure. Beyond the direct application to auxiliary power units and gate electrification, the solar at-gate concept offers a more general approach as to how other airport electrification conversion projects, including ground support equipment, airport ground transportation and passenger vehicle use, can maximise emission reduction benefits by eliminating fossil-fuel combustion and replacing it with carbon-free electricity. This paper discusses the solar at-gate example, which demonstrates the opportunities associated with maximising airport electrification and supplying the new electricity demand with clean energy for carbon emission reductions consistent with the global efforts to address climate change, and at the same time, accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation for a greener future.

Airport technology systems in the design-build environment

The design-build method for construction is increasingly being applied to the delivery of airport projects. This includes the technology systems that are necessary for the efficient operation of these facilities. Technology systems present a unique set of challenges to the design-builder, many of which will be new to contractors. This paper examines the issues associated with the design-build approach to technology in the airport market, and ways in which the design-builder can adjust and refine their approach to deliver projects more effectively.

Collaborative Partnering for Airport Construction Projects: State-of-Practice

Partnering has enabled state departments of transportation (DOTs) and aviation construction projects to significantly reduce claims and improve project schedules. Today there is a wide body of empirical evidence that demonstrates partnering benefits outweigh the resources devoted to its implementation. Despite such outstanding outcomes, collaborative partnering is still new, misunderstood, underutilized, and evolving for airport construction projects that entail greater complexity and increased risks due to a high number of stakeholders and additional sector-specific regulations. The objectives of this study are to describe the state-of-practice regarding partnering in the aviation construction industry and offer insights about its use. A comprehensive survey of industry professionals representing DOTs, airports, and others involved in construction aviation projects in the United States helps capture partnering trends across the industry. Findings show that participants with experience in partnered-aviation construction projects perceive higher improvement of safety and reduced claims offering greater rewards. However, these projects are operating as late adopters of partnering with many at the initial stages of implementation. The main contribution of the paper to the body of knowledge is that partnering is suitable for airport projects regardless of the project delivery method followed, budget size, or partnering intensity levels. Those with greater experience with partnering under design-bid-build project delivery methods are more likely to perceive higher improvements. Furthermore, it increases trust and strengthens the relationships between organizations. The findings are significant as they bring attention to team integration practices for improved outcomes via the underutilized partnering in an industry niche where stakeholder and risk management are key to project success.