UPS Apron Vancouver International Airport

United Parcel Service (UPS) required a new apron and ground storage equipment area to accommodate their air cargo operations at Vancouver International Airport.

The project comprised of a concrete apron sized for two self-maneuvering stands (B727 and B757) to ensure quick turnaround capability, as well as one power in–push out (B727) position.  A main apron taxiway link consisting of an asphalt surface over a cement-stabilized base course in place of a concrete structure was constructed to minimize disruption to taxiway Delta. This work included:

• Jet-blast protection fencing located to protect ground staff, vehicles on the airport access road, and empty containers parked in adjacent lease areas
• Storm drainage system for the apron consisting of a center-of-stand drainage system that can be closed during deicing operations and allow glycol collection by vacuum trucks.  Airfield lighting included taxiway, apron edge lighting and apron floodlighting system lit to an average 20 lux.

HMM provided planning, design engineering, and construction inspection services for the new UPS cargo apron and taxiway at Vancouver International Airport.  The work included: 

• Preparation of the initial apron planning and self-maneuvering aircraft parking configuration to minimize the total apron area and blast fence length
• Pavement design for PLR 12 to allow aircraft use up to B747 with nose-in parking and ultimate handover to airport authority at end of lease
• Cost estimating for pavements, jet-blast fence, and airfield lighting
• Preparation of detailed design drawings and specifications, pavement, paint markings, jet-blast fence, and airfield lighting and site inspection services, and review of suppliers’ drawings for pavement, jet blast fence, and airfield lighting components

Detailed Components:

• Area of rigid apron pavement (concrete) - 116,000 sqft
• Area of stabilized flexible pavement (asphalt, CSB) - 21,000 sqft
• Area of flexible pavement (asphalt) - 47,000 sqft