DEN Gate Expansion Program
FODS Used To Prevent Foreign Object Debris On DEN Gate Expansion Project
Denver International Airport
Originally constructed in 1995, the Denver International Airport (DEN, or DIA) has grown to become the busiest airport in the United States and the second largest airport in the world by land area. Built to provide service for 50 million annual passengers, the airport’s passenger volume has increased to 69 million annual passengers in 2019 with passenger volume expected to reach 100 million in 2031.
DEN Gate Expansion Project
To accommodate the continued growth, DEN continues to expand the facilities and gates. The recent major development completed in 2022 is the Gate Expansion Project with an estimated budget of $2.3 billion which is part of DEN’s Capital Improvement Plan. The project includes a total of 39 new gates which will increase capacity by 30% with a total of nearly 1.2 million square feet of additional space. The Project will also include a number of improvements including a new commuter facility, airline support spaces, ground load facility, and technology upgrades.
The Gate Expansion and Concourse Projects were constructed by two joint-ventures: Holder Construction and FCI Constructors Inc. on Concourse B-East and Concourse C-East; and Turner Construction and Flatiron Construction on Concourse A-West and Concourse B-West. Both projects began in 2018 and all expansion work the Gate Expansion project is expected to be largely completed by the end of 2021.
Vehicle Track-Out Controls and FOD Mitigation
FODS Trackout Control System Installed at Denver International Airport, Colorado.
The Gate Expansion Project was conducted while airlines continued to operate at DIA using existing gates which required careful attention to prevent debris from construction activity from entering the active taxiways and runways. Foreign Object Debris or Damage (FOD) refers to any objects on runways and taxiways which can cause damage to aircraft components including landing gear and engines. FOD is the main cause of aircraft engine damage and can come from multiple sources during daily operations. One common source of FOD on airports is debris from ground support vehicles and in the case of construction projects, delivery vehicles and construction equipment.
FODS Construction Vehicle Track-Out Controls Installed On DEN Gate Expansion Project.
On the DEN Gate Expansion Project, construction teams ensured safe aircraft operations by implementing a variety of FOD mitigation techniques throughout the work site including the FODS Trackout Control Mats as a Vehicle Track-Out Control BMP. The FODS Trackout Control System is designed to minimize dirt, sediment and other debris which would be tracked out of work sites on construction vehicle tires. The mats remove debris by utilizing a grid of pyramids which flex tire treads allowing debris to break loose. As an aggregate-free Construction Track-Out Control BMP, the FODS system provides a safer alternative compared to traditional rock construction entrances by reducing the risk of loose rocks escaping onto access roads.
The expedited nature of the large-scale expansion project required easy-to-move, rapid installation entrances that were within budget and ensured construction site cleanliness free of FOD (foreign object debris), all while maintaining aircraft traffic movements. The portable, durable system is designed to be relocated as needed throughout each phase of the project and can be reused on multiple projects of the 10+ year lifespan of the product. In addition, the system can be deployed over existing asphalt, concrete or dirt substrates and requires minimal remediation when work is completed allowing construction operations to reduce delays between project phases.
FOD Control AT Airports
The FODS Trackout Control System is quickly becoming the preferred solution for preventing FOD from vehicles on commercial and military airports construction projects as well as permanent applications on airfields and aircraft manufacturing plants around the globe. The FODS system is one of many techniques that can contribute to an effective FOD Prevention Plan.
ABOUT FODS, LLC.
Based in Englewood Colorado, FODS is working to replace ineffective and costly traditional rock stabilized construction entrances, saving you time and money. Our proprietary mat design works to effectively remove debris from your vehicle tires without damaging the tire or the ground’s surface. We provide the only durable, reusable, and environmentally friendly trackout control system currently available on the market. FODS Vehicle Trackout Controls BMP mats are 100% Made In the USA and 100% recyclable.
To find out more information on how we can help your project stay on schedule and in compliance contact 844-200-3637 or email us at info@getfods.com.