The terminal infrastructure at Vienna Airport is being expanded. In addition to bus gates, recreation and lounge areas, extensive shopping and catering areas are also planned. The consortium consisting of PORR, ORTNER and ELIN has been awarded the contract for the southern extension, with the contract volume for the consortium totalling EUR 265 million.
“Vienna Airport will be significantly upgraded by the south extension, and passengers will enjoy a much more comfortable stay. With this expansion, PORR is demonstrating its expertise in handling highly complex construction processes”, says PORR CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss. Modern, open and generously designed common areas, new lounges as well as extensive catering areas, shopping facilities and 18 bus gates are being created on 70,000 m2. The wide-span glass façade presents itself as a “window to the world”. However, the increased space on offer not only improves the quality of the passenger experience, but also ensures that passenger flows are channelled efficiently. This challenging large-scale project requires detailed fine-tuning before construction begins, integration of the data into a 3D BIM model and particularly streamlined process management.
BIM, LEAN and augmented reality
With its subsidiary pde Integrale Planung GmbH, PORR has opted for early contractor involvement. “The construction companies are already involved in the planning phase and can suggest changes so that projects can be realised more cost-effectively and efficiently,” says Strauss. For example, the structural design of the roof construction was optimised compared to the original concept so that it can be realised more easily and with lower material costs.
PORR also relies on LEAN Design and LEAN Construction in order to organise all processes as efficiently as possible. The LEAN approach, which originates from the management, makes it possible to make continuous adjustments during the planning and construction phase that are initiated by the workforce and improve the construction process. In addition, a 3D BIM model is being created for the entire airport building, giving all those involved access to the data. This makes collaboration much more transparent and fluid. The BIM connection also enables the use of GPS-controlled excavators, surveying work can be carried out with a 3D model without a surveyor and defects can be recorded using augmented reality. Different variants of façade sampling can also be visualised on the BIM model using virtual reality.
