As travel demands steadily increase in our post-pandemic economy, replacing passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) will enhance airport operations and traveler safety. These structures not only help accommodate the growing need for additional gates but also address aging infrastructure that requires regular maintenance.
In this article, we explore the key strategies and considerations for successfully implementing PBB projects, from identifying optimal construction periods to adhering to evolving building codes. By adopting a thoughtful, proactive approach, airports can maximize operational efficiency and minimize disruption throughout the replacement or installation process.
Effective Planning to Reduce Travel Disruptions
As part of the planning process, it is important to identify off-peak periods for construction to minimize travel disruptions. For instance, avoiding the holiday season from November to January is crucial due to the high volume of travelers and air traffic that could delay specific project milestones. Planning teams should also consider weather-related impacts when leveraging any raw materials and resources at the site, which also play a significant role in scheduling and delivery.
Effective planning goes beyond just scheduling; identifying and maintaining communication with stakeholders at key points of the project is critical to keep interested parties updated on progress and how repairs may impact their operations. This ensures transparency throughout the project and helps mitigate potential conflicts related to gate access and scheduling.
Additionally, coordination of adjacent airfield work and site access will be paramount. When possible, aligning PBB work with other projects helps limit overall gate impacts. With careful planning, project leaders can ensure gate impacts are properly measured, and the project progresses smoothly without unexpected delays. It’s also helpful to include flexibility in the project timeline in case unforeseen roadblocks occur.
Equally important, a thorough survey of the surroundings is fundamental to understand the existing conditions and plan accordingly to help identify potential challenges. By meticulously examining the existing environmental and structural conditions, the survey enables project teams to anticipate and mitigate potential obstacles, ensuring that design solutions are effective and tailored to the area's specific needs. For example, selective potholing of utilities to verify location and depth will reduce the risk of lengthy construction delays.
Lastly, it's also essential to consider the evolving regulations and building codes that may apply to a PBB. Previously classified as equipment not bound by building standards, bridges now fall under stricter codes introduced by new governing agencies. This is especially imperative in seismically active regions of the country where new load requirements have increased substantially.
Seismic Resilience Standards
Before beginning any replacement project, airports and project managers should identify specific seismic codes to which the project must adhere to upon completion. For example, Risk Category III Building Code criteria is the standard for all major airport terminals.
It’s critical to establish seismic criteria early on and address code ambiguities. Reviewing guidelines and vetting the project early ensures compliance and prevents delays. Structural engineers are valuable partners in collaborating with regulating agencies from the start, helping to meet all necessary codes and standards and contributing to the project’s success and longevity.
In earthquake-prone regions, designing airport gates to meet seismic resilience standards requires a comprehensive approach to project planning. Integrating specific seismic resilience criteria into the broader project scope is essential to account for the unique structural demands and safety standards necessary to withstand major seismic events. Airports aiming to enhance their gates' seismic resilience must be prepared to significantly expand their project scope to meet these requirements.
One major decision in determining seismic parameters is the column and bolt configuration. An 8-bolt configuration is the long standard for bridges, but depending on the seismic risk category, loads and soil conditions, a 16-bolt pattern may be dictated.
Modifications to Existing Foundations
When possible, modifying existing foundations to meet new building codes can substantially reduce gate downtime and overall construction duration. Standard modifications include extending the existing foundation or expanding the drill shaft pile. These modifications can typically be completed while keeping the gate operational, thereby shortening the project duration and minimizing disruptions.
However, existing utilities are usually close to the PBB foundations and the terminal, making the expansion of an existing foundation or larger new spread footing impossible. Drilled shaft foundations require a substantially smaller footprint, limiting impact to adjacent utilities. Shaft foundations also provide higher momentum resistance, making them more future proof to seismic building code changes.
Designing the Future of Passenger Boarding Bridges
As seismic codes become increasingly stringent, there is a growing need to consider the design of heavier bridges. Designing not just the project bridge model but also the largest and heaviest bridge might cost slightly more in the short term, but this enhances long-term flexibility to swap bridges at gates and is less likely to need modifications or replacements in the future.
By prioritizing these forward-thinking strategies, the industry can continue to deliver safe, efficient and resilient services to passengers and airlines, positioning itself to meet the evolving demands of a diverse and dynamic transportation future.
