Aviation Portfolio

Project
Runway 8/26's aircraft arresting systems, known as BAK 12/14s, had been in operation for more than 30 years. This project relocated the systems (one on each runway end) to meet the latest U.S. Air Force siting criteria.

At a 1,000-foot offset, the arresting systems were too close to the runway thresholds and had to be reconstructed 1,500 feet from the runway's ends. The pits that house the braking system also were updated and relocated outside the runway safety area. This allows crews to perform maintenance inside the vaults without having to close the runway.

After the aircraft arresting systems on the runway's approach and departure ends were demolished, new equipment was installed at the correct airfield locations. This included energy absorbers with 66-inch multi-disc rotary friction brakes and arresting engines (BAK-12), a hook cable support system (BAK-14) and redesigned underground concrete vaults. The vaults shelter the energy absorbers, electrical components, and compressed air and control systems. Garver also conducted extensive research and coordination to modify the electrical and power services to the arresting systems.

The aircraft arresting system utilizes a retractable cable support system that gives air traffic controllers the ability to raise and lower the 1 1/4-inch diameter cable below the pavement as needed. The cable system has a runout of 1,200 feet and can stop a jet traveling up to 180 knots (207 mph).

Relocating the aircraft arresting systems on Runway 8/26 was only a part of the project scope. Garver also designed runway repairs to prepare the pavement for all traffic operations when Runway 18L/36R is closed for reconstruction. Garver provided engineering services for 600 square yards of concrete pavement rehabilitation, 5,500 square feet of spall repair, 3,200 square yards of seal coat, new runway pavement markings, and the replacement of 43 airfield guidance signs, eight mandatory hold signs and six distance remaining signs.

• Pavement inspection
• Aerial and ground surveys
• Traffic evaluation
• Construction design plans, specifications and cost estimates
• Bidding services
• Construction administration and observation