The downturn in flights that came with the original Covid-19 lockdown also created an opportunity for Auckland Airport to bring forward scheduled runway maintenance. However, that meant the works would take place in the wetter, colder months, problematic for ensuring a consistent concrete cure on such a large scale.
Brian Perry Civil were contracted by Auckland Airport as part of the project and then got us involved.
Tarpaulin Makers had experience producing thermal blankets for the pre-cast industry. We produce New Zealand’s only R-value thermal concrete curing blankets, featuring a triple layered construction – two sheets of PVC or polyethylene, with a thermal insulation layer sandwiched between them. The blankets are then laid over the poured concrete to prevent thermal cracking by ensuring an even temperature is maintained during the cure process.
There were two key challenges for us with this job. The time frame for delivery was very short, and the volume required to cover over 10,000m2 of new runway was huge. The blankets had to be designed in sections that could be easily lifted but then seamlessly joined. We had only eight days to produce more than 2,000 square metres of a custom sized product, all during a national lockdown.
The thermal blankets were completed on time and delivered to Auckland Airport, ready for the first day of pouring concrete.
Great outcome for our client; great outcome for us.
