Davidson County Executive Airport (KEXX), nestled in the heart of the central Piedmont region of North Carolina, plays a pivotal role in connecting the region to major cities such as Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, and Charlotte, all within an hour's reach. This vibrant airport boasts a 5,000-foot runway equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS), Localizer (LOC), and Required Navigation Performance Area Navigation (RNAV) approaches. With a sprawling 7-acre apron, the airport offers extensive space for temporary and overnight parking, accommodating the diverse needs of travelers. Furthermore, KEXX houses two comprehensive maintenance facilities, including a state-of-the-art Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Operation (MRO) center on its premises.
In the pursuit of maintaining its commitment to operational excellence and the safety of all those who utilize its facilities, Davidson County Executive Airport initiated a critical construction project. The objective was to rehabilitate the airport's existing storm sewer system to effectively manage storm water runoff during rain events. However, during the construction phase, the project encountered a significant hurdle. The selected reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) for the storm sewer system, due to its outside diameter, failed to fit within the structures that provided shallow cover. This unforeseen obstacle necessitated an immediate alternative solution—one that possessed a hydraulic coefficient of 0.012 Manning's "n."
In response to this challenge, the consulting engineer for the project, Talbert, Bright & Ellington, undertook the task of finding a suitable alternative that would meet the project's needs. After a thorough evaluation, the team opted for a Contech DuroMaxx® SRPE Storm Sewer System, recognizing its compatibility with the project requirements.
Contech was chosen for its ability to not only provide a timely solution but also due to its AASHTO-based structural calculations. The urgent nature of the situation demanded a quick response and swift delivery to the project site, and Contech delivered, ensuring minimal disruption to the project timeline.
The decision to go with DuroMaxx® SRPE and A-2000™ PVC was made quickly, and the products were expedited to the site, arriving at 7 am on a Saturday morning. The procurement of the pipe was coordinated by the contractor, and the purchase order was sent from Pomona Pipe Products to Contech.
DuroMaxx® SRPE, with its robust design and ideal specifications, seamlessly replaced the sections of RCP that posed challenges. The rapid installation allowed the rehabilitation project to remain on schedule, ensuring that the vital storm sewer improvements were not delayed.
Michael Player, P.E., Talbert, Bright & Ellington, commented, "DuroMaxx pipe was selected to meet the requirements of the storm sewer rehabilitation project and keep the current phase on track."
This project serves as a testament to the importance of adaptability and responsive solutions in critical infrastructure projects, safeguarding the continuity and success of vital airport facilities like Davidson County Executive Airport. By choosing DuroMaxx® SRPE, the airport not only overcame an unexpected obstacle but also ensured the continued improvement of its drainage solutions, contributing to a safer and more efficient aviation environment.