GEC, as part of a Joint Venture, in its capacity as Consultant for the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, was integral in the design for the complete reconstruction of the existing Runway 4L-22R and partial reconstruction of Taxiway “A” (the parallel taxiway to Runway 4L-22R). The 6,900 foot runway, which includes a 425 foot displaced threshold, was rebuilt using 15 inch thick concrete in order to achieve the required 20-year design life. Also included was installation of all in-pavement requirements for a fully operational Category II runway lighting system including runway centerline lights, runway touchdown zone lights and provisions for an ALSF-2 approach lighting system. In addition, new runway edge lights, runway end lights, runway threshold lights, guidance signs, distance remaining signs, and mandatory signs were installed along Runway 4L-22R. New guidance signs and LED taxiway edge lights were installed along Taxiway “A.” Exhaustive review of FAA Advisory Circulars was performed to comply with FAA requirements and to facilitate the transition to Category II operations.
Each Phase also included Construction Administration services, which consisted of attending a Pre-Construction Conference, review of shop drawings and equipment submittals, attending weekly progress meetings, performing routine site observations, providing responses to Contractor Request for Information, reviewing and providing recommendations on Proposed Scope Changes, reviewing and certifying Contractor Application for Payment, preparing Architect Supplemental Instructions, conducting final inspection and punch list, and delivering As-built Record Drawings.
Phase I included design engineering services for the specification and preparation of detailed construction plans for reconstructing 3200 feet of runway from the 4L end of the existing runway to the Runway 13-31 Intersection. The project design included complete demolition of existing concrete up to and including the limits of the Obstacle Free Zone (OFZ) of Runway 13-31 (13-31 was to remain active throughout the project). New L-868 load bearing light bases and conduit were installed for in-pavement centerline lights and runway edge lights, as required. Special consideration was given to the sequence of construction in the Obstacle Free Zone (OFZ) of Runway 13-31. In order to minimize downtime, the reconstruction in the intersection was designed to be performed in 6 hour segments overnight. Special provisions were included in the design to allow for reopening of Runway 13-31 each morning. Centerline light bases, cover plates, and conduit were installed during night operations for this area. In order to return Runway 4L-22R to operational status at the conclusion of the project, the existing edge light fixtures were installed on new in-pavement bases and tied-in to the existing runway edge light circuit. In addition, steel cover plates were installed on the new centerline light bases. New light fixtures were to be installed in a subsequent phase of reconstruction.
Phase II included design engineering services for the specification and preparation of detailed construction plans for reconstructing 3700 feet of runway from the 22R end of the existing runway to the Runway 13-31 Intersection. The project design included complete demolition of existing concrete up to the limits of the Obstacle Free Zone (OFZ) of Runway 13-31. New L-868 load bearing light bases and conduit were installed for in-pavement centerline lights, touchdown zone lights and runway edge lights, as required. Included in the design was an ALSF-2 approach lighting system, including an in-pavement threshold light bar, and four in-pavement center and side light bars spaced at 100 feet. As a result of the future plans for runway extension, new light bases were installed to accommodate the existing MALSR approach lighting system and the existing light fixtures were re-installed. The design will facilitate the migration to Category II operations. Duct banks were installed under runway/taxiway intersections for future utilization. In order to return Runway 4L-22R to operational status at the conclusion of the project, the existing edge light fixtures were installed on new in-pavement bases and tied-in to the existing runway edge light circuit. In addition, steel cover plates were installed on the new runway centerline light bases and runway touchdown zone light bases. New light fixtures were to be installed in a subsequent phase of reconstruction.
Phase III included design engineering services for the specification and preparation of detailed construction plans for installation of new runway centerline light fixtures, runway touchdown zone light fixtures, and runway edge light fixtures on the previously installed (Phase I & II) in-pavement L-868 load bearing light bases. The project also included installation of runway edge light fixtures, runway end light fixtures, and runway threshold light fixtures on new L-867 non-load bearing light bases. New guidance signs, distance remaining signs, and mandatory signs were installed on new concrete sign pads along Runway 4L-22R. New guidance signs on new concrete sign pads and LED taxiway edge light fixtures on new L-867 non-load bearing light bases were installed along Taxiway “A,” the parallel taxiway to Runway 4L-22R. Airfield Electrical Vault modifications included eight new constant current regulators and series cutouts, modified Airfield Lighting Computer System (ALCS) to include Insulation Resistance Monitoring and Lamps Out Monitoring, and modified Airfield Lighting Computer System (ALCS) software to provide control for the new field circuits. Results of loading calculations were coordinated with the utility company to procure additional service capacity. A new 1000 Ampere service and 350 kilowatt emergency generator with automatic transfer switch were installed to support current and anticipated future loads. Airfield Electrical Vault modifications also included overcurrent protection, disconnecting means and a new main power distribution panel.