YYC East De-Icing Apron
Client:
Calgary Airport Authority
Location:
Calgary, Alberta
Year:
2019
Project Scope
Whissell executed the earthworks and civil servicing scope for the East De-Icing Apron at Calgary International Airport a high-security, airside civil construction project requiring specialized coordination with airport operations and concurrent trade partners. The project involved over 100,000 m² of site grading and the installation of critical drainage and utility infrastructure designed to support aircraft de-icing operations.
- 100,000 m² of site grading including topsoil stripping, stockpiling, excavation, and embankment construction
- Installation of aircraft-rated manholes and catch basins
- Concrete storm pipe and HDPE force main installations
- Reinforced thrust blocks and anchor systems (over 1,000 m³ of concrete)
- Electrofusion and butt fusion welding with bead removal for HDPE connections
- Hydrostatic testing, commissioning, and waterproofing systems all self-performed
- Coordination with a minimum of six concurrent trade partners within a restricted airside work zone
Challenge & Mitigation
Executing civil construction within an active airside environment imposed strict access controls, security requirements, and operational coordination protocols that added significant complexity to every aspect of the work. Maintaining seamless progress across overlapping civil scopes while coordinating with six or more concurrent trade partners all within a compressed timeline required detailed daily coordination and proactive interface management.
Value Add Solution
Whissell's self-performance of the hydrostatic testing, commissioning, and waterproofing systems eliminated the need for additional specialty subcontractors in the restricted airside zone, reducing the number of access credentialing requirements and simplifying the overall trade coordination program. The team's ability to integrate effectively into the airport's operational environment set a strong precedent for Whissell's capability in high-security, mission-critical civil construction.
