Gladstone Airport, Queensland

ACG was engaged to deliver the design and construction of the Gladstone Airport Movement Area Rejuvenation project. The project aimed to enhance the operational capacity and safety of the airport by upgrading the surfaces of various aprons, ensuring compliance with aviation standards while maintaining ongoing airport operations. ACG’s collaborative approach involved close consultation with the client and stakeholders, enabling the project to be completed efficiently. By integrating design expertise with practical construction staging, ACG enhanced the functionality and safety of Gladstone Airport’s movement areas while maintaining uninterrupted airport operations.

Project Capital Cost: $2m

Concept and Detailed Design
Developed pavement overlays for General Aviation (GA) and Regular Public Transport (RPT) aprons, including milling, asphalt overlays, and pavement reconstruction.

Surface Rejuvenation Treatments
Designed and applied Surface Enrichment Spray Treatment (SEST) and Fuel Resistant Membranes (FRM) to Lower RPT, Upper RPT, Western GA, and Eastern Apron areas.

Pavement Reconstruction
Included re-leveling, compaction, and replacement of pavement bases to improve surface integrity.

Site Drainage Improvements
Extended overland drainage systems to manage runoff effectively.

Site Services Coordination
Located and managed site services to facilitate safe and efficient construction activities.

Method of Working Plan (MOWP)
Developed in consultation with airport operations to stage construction, minimising disruption and ensuring compliance with aviation safety requirements through NOTAM coordination.

The Gladstone Airport Movement Area Rejuvenation project encountered some unexpected hurdles that required practical solutions. For instance, the Central GA Apron had poor subgrade conditions due to highly plastic, saturated clay with low CBR values. ACG tackled this by putting in a working platform to stabilise the area, making it suitable for construction and future aircraft use. The client also asked for additional work, like extending the SEST to the Helicopter Apron and rebuilding the access road for heavier traffic. Through flexible engineering solutions, ACG enhanced pavement strength, longevity, and operational capacity while maintaining budget efficiency.