Mace is finalising a significant renewal project on Heathrow’s 870m cargo tunnel, improving its multi-purpose use.
- The tunnel, originally built in the 1960s, is being renewed to accommodate diverse vehicles and services, enhancing airport operations.
- Mace is utilising offsite production, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing efficiency.
- A Boston Dynamics robot dog is revolutionising safety and accuracy on the construction site.
- This renewal project is valued at £145 million and demonstrates Mace’s innovative construction strategies.
Mace is approaching the completion of its £145 million renewal project on Heathrow Airport’s 870-metre cargo tunnel, originally constructed in the 1960s to connect the Cargo Area with Terminals 1, 2, and 3. In the 1980s, Terminal 4 was added, and the existing tunnel was repurposed to support passenger transfers, accommodating a range of vehicles and services.
The tunnel is currently used by cargo, baggage, passenger, maintenance, emergency, catering, and ancillary services. Mace’s work on the tunnel is modernising its infrastructure to better serve these diverse functions, thereby enhancing operational efficiency within the airport.
A strategic component of the renewal project is the use of offsite production methods. This approach has resulted in a 22% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods, demonstrating a significant environmental benefit. By employing the Design for Manufacture and Assembly strategy, Mace has streamlined construction processes, which significantly improves productivity and reduces project delivery time.
Mace is employing its internal MEP sub-contractor, Mace MEP, alongside several other sub-contractors such as Chisolm & Winch, Keltbray, Deane Roofing, Tone, DBI, and LDD, each contributing specialised services to ensure the successful completion of the project. The company’s vertical supply chain integration has proven advantageous in coordinating these efforts.
A notable innovation in this project is the deployment of Boston Dynamics’ ‘Spot the Dog’ robot, which enhances safety and efficiency on site. This robotic solution not only mitigates risks associated with slips and trips in challenging environments but also facilitates precise data collection, which supports accurate tracking of construction progress through 3D modelling and augmented reality.
Mace’s commitment to innovation in construction is exemplified by this project, showcasing the company’s ability to integrate advanced technologies and strategies to overcome complex logistical challenges inherent in such large-scale infrastructure projects.
The nearing completion of this major renewal project at Heathrow highlights Mace’s expertise in delivering sustainable and innovative construction solutions.
