Building materials supplier CEMEX says it has successfully completed a project to supply over 25,000 tonnes of asphalt to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, UK while ensuring the site remained operational at all times.
RAF Coningsby is one of the Quick Reaction Alert Stations which protect UK airspace. It is the home of two frontline, combat-ready squadrons and the main base for the RAF’s Typhoon fighter aircraft. CEMEX’s Lincoln coating plant provided the asphalt over five months as a part of the runway resurfacing project.
CEMEX says that a specific challenge of this project was the requirement for the site to always remain fully operational, so the Typhoons could be scrambled in case of an emergency. As a result, contractor Colas resurfaced a short section of the runway each night.
CEMEX provided a Porous Friction Course to meet the Ministry of Defence’s complex asphalt specifications, supplying up to 450 tonnes per shift.
James Playford, CEMEX area manager for asphalt, commented: “Initially, we were only expecting to supply the surface course material, however once the job had started the binder course layers also had to be replaced, which greatly increased the amount of product needed. Therefore, coordination between several different areas of the business was vital.
“Our aggregates team at Roan Edge Quarry was the only site that could supply us with the required premium quality hardstone and so had to work under considerable pressure; the technical team ensured we met the product specification; the sales team engaged with Colas; while the operational team fulfilled every single order to time, keeping the plant running day and night throughout the project.”
