O'Hare International Airport
FOD Control System Used To Prevent Debris From Tracking Into Chicago O’Hare Internation Airport
BACKGROUND
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, in 2018, Chicago O’Hare International Airport was the busiest airport in the USA, handling more than 83.4 million passengers. O’Hare is currently undergoing major terminal renovations, airport development and runway expansion. F.H. Paschen was selected by the City of Chicago as part of an 8.5 billion dollar plan to modernize the 75 year old international airport. F.H. Paschen is completing the west and center segments of the future Runway 9C-27C, the final runway to be completed Fall 2020, as part of the $8.5 Billion Dollar O’Hare Modernization Program.
The project scope includes the demolition and recycling of approximately 180,000 tons of existing pavement, installation of five miles of new drainage pipe, six miles of electrical duct banks to support future runway/taxiway electrical and communication systems, 100,000 cubic yards of new runway and taxiway pavement, service roads and the relocation of the existing Ground Runup Enclosure (GRE).
CHALLENGE
The Runway 9C-27C project spans 512 days and due to transport of demolition materials, durable entrances are essential for numerous vehicle passes. Additionaly, the expedited nature of the large- scale project on an active airfield requires easy-to-move, rapid installation entrances that ensure construction site cleanliness free of FOD (foreign object debris) that could cause serious damage to aircraft and airline equipment, all while maintaining aircraft traffic movements, and critical aircraft rescue and recovery routes.
SOLUTION
As part of their FOD control management plan, FH Paschen utilizes sixteen Reusable FODS Construction mats for a versatile airside construction entrance. FODS construction access matting, proven to stop airfield construction site trackout while BMP compliant, contains rows of alternating pyramid that are engineered to separate tire treads. Mud and debris collect in the base of the mats before leaving FH Paschen’s airfield construction exits preventing foreign object debris (FOD) on O’Hare’s active runways and landside areas. FODS Mats can withstand weights in excess of 80 tons per mat, and are made from a durable polyethylene that supports frequent daily vehicle passes by FH Paschen heavy equipment throughout the duration of the Runway 9C-27C project.
ABOUT FODS, LLC.
Based in Englewood Colorado, FODS Trackout Control System replace ineffective and costly traditional rock stabilized construction entrances, saving you valuable time and money. Our proprietary mat design works to effectively remove mud and sediment 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 Trackout Control Mats are 100% Made in the USA and are reusable and recyclable.