Underground Utilities at an Airport
At Sy-Con Excavation & Utilities, we’re no strangers to the complexities of underground utility installation. Recently, our team took on the challenging task of installing underground utilities at a local airport—a project that required precision, coordination, and a lot of hard work. Let’s take you behind the scenes of this massive undertaking.
Access Roads and Drainage: The First Step
One of the first challenges we faced on-site was the installation of access roads. These roads were crucial for getting our heavy equipment into position for the upcoming sewer and utility installations. With limited space to work with, the team did an excellent job ensuring that every inch of the road was laid out to the precise specifications needed. These roads not only had to be strong enough to handle the weight of our machines but also needed to provide proper drainage to prevent water from pooling in low spots.
The flat terrain of the airport made this job more difficult, as everything had to be perfectly level to ensure the movement of planes in and out of the hangars. Our crew had to make sure the drainage was effective while still keeping the slope minimal—no easy feat!
Sewer Installations: Precision and Patience
Once the access roads were established, we moved on to the sewer installation. With the use of trench boxes and proper safety measures, we dug deep trenches for the sewer lines that would service the airport. At approximately 8 feet deep, we had to ensure every pipe was laid correctly to avoid any issues down the line. Our team worked quickly and efficiently, digging and setting sewer services while dealing with the swampy site conditions that made this job even more complicated.
One challenge we ran into was managing spoil—dirt and debris that are removed during excavation. With limited space, we had to be strategic in where we placed the spoil to avoid clogging up our work area and causing unnecessary delays. Our crew did a fantastic job making sure the spoil was properly managed while maintaining a smooth workflow.
Dealing with Weather and Site Conditions
We were working in an area that had not seen rain in months, but as we all know, the weather can be unpredictable. After three months of dry weather, the rain finally hit, and our team was ready. By preparing the site properly ahead of time, we were able to avoid costly delays and keep things moving as smoothly as possible.
With the threat of more rain on the horizon, we took extra steps to ensure the site wouldn’t become a muddy mess. We had everything prepared so that when the rain came, we could pause work, let the site dry, and then get right back to it once the weather cleared.
A Big Team Effort
We couldn’t have done this job without the hard work and dedication of our entire crew. Sam, Bill, and Dakota led the charge, with support from our dirt crew and utility team. From managing the project’s timeline to ensuring all safety protocols were followed, each crew member played an important role in keeping the project on track. Their teamwork was key in making sure that everything was completed on time, with the level of quality we pride ourselves on.
Looking Ahead
As we near the final stages of the project, we’re excited to see everything come together. With the utility crossings and sewer sleeves in place, we’re now just waiting on the final steps of the installation. Asphalt and base rock are still to be applied, and we’re looking forward to wrapping up another successful project.
Stay tuned for updates and behind-the-scenes content from our team. This has been a challenging but rewarding project, and we’re proud of the work our crew has put in to make it happen. Check out our YouTube channel for more on this project and other behind-the-scenes videos of our team in action.
Conclusion: Hard Work Pays Off
Installing underground utilities at an airport requires a lot of hard work, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing site conditions. Our crew at Sy-Con Excavation & Utilities thrives on these challenges, and we’re excited to bring you along on this journey. From digging trenches to managing spoil to dealing with unpredictable weather, this project has been a true test of our expertise and commitment to doing the job right.
If you're interested in seeing more of our work, make sure to follow us on YouTube, where we share detailed videos of our projects, tips, and insights into the world of construction. Whether you're in the industry or just curious about how things are done, there’s always something to learn at Sy-Con.