How STARC’s RealWall ensured seamless operations during major upgrades
O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United States, is undergoing a significant renovation project, known as the O’Hare Terminal 5 (ORD T5) project. Spearheaded by Austin Power Partners, this massive project aims to modernize and expand the airport’s facilities to meet the growing demands of air travel.
The Challenge
Bob Dylik, a Carpenter Foreman at Austin Power Partners, faced a unique set of challenges. The project required a construction containment solution that was not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing, ensuring uninterrupted operations and fast phasing at O’Hare. The team’s longstanding go-to solution was deemed insufficient for the highly visible nature of this project.
The Solution
After Project Executive Pete Bartels suggested incorporating STARC System’s RealWall™ into the construction plan, a mock-up was created to gain approval from airport officials. The temporary reusable construction wall system was quickly adopted for its ease of installation and maintenance. RealWall offered the durability and professional appearance that the project demanded, ultimately covering an impressive four miles of construction area.
Throughout the building process, the team utilized 3,000 feet of STARC’s flagship modular wall system. It stretched from floor to ceiling, ensuring the safety and comfort of both airport visitors and employees amid ongoing construction activities.
Bruce Bickford, Vice President of Product Development at STARC Systems, describes RealWall, as a sleek, painted white aluminum panel solution, designed to seamlessly blend in like a permanent wall and equipped with functional hinged doors. “It presents a nice, finished appearance with a durable, robust-looking structure,” he said. “People sit next to it and lean against it, and don’t even notice it is a temporary wall.”
The product’s high degree of reusability aligned perfectly with ORD’s environmental objectives for the project. Rather than disposing of drywall waste in containers after each construction stage, the contractors simply relocated and reassembled the RealWall panels for subsequent phases.
“By doing this, we significantly reduce the amount of drywall waste generated on any project,” Bickford added.
Overcoming Site-Specific Challenges
RealWall seamlessly adapted to the dynamic demands of the T5 project, showcasing its versatility in collaboration with Austin Power Partners. Any specific requirements, such as adjusting the product’s doors for heavy material transit, were swiftly addressed. This versatility not only highlighted RealWall’s inherent value but also its capability to evolve in response to unique project needs, guaranteeing long-term effectiveness and reusability.
Dylik added that one of the standout features of using RealWall was its adaptability to the project’s various phases. Austin Power Partners could set up multiple phases simultaneously, allowing for a more streamlined construction process.
Key Takeaways
The ORD T5 project illustrates the importance of speed and efficiency in today’s construction landscape. RealWall, with its easy installation and professional appearance, perfectly supports these objectives. Although this project called for a couple on-the-fly modifications, Dylik said RealWall stands as a robust and reliable solution for large-scale projects like the O’Hare renovation.
One of the standout features of using RealWall was its adaptability to the project’s various phases. Austin Power Partners could set up multiple phases simultaneously, allowing for a more streamlined construction process.
– Bob Dylik, Carpenter Foreman, Austin Powers Partners
Conclusion
The ORD T5 project is not just a testament to modern engineering and design but also a shining example of innovative problem-solving in construction. STARC’s RealWall emerged as one of the heroes of this narrative, underscoring the critical role of smart containment solutions in large-scale projects.
From ensuring passenger comfort and safety to aligning with environmental objectives, RealWall has demonstrated its unparalleled utility in the face of a demanding and dynamic construction environment. It stands as a robust, adaptable, and reliable solution, ready to meet the challenges of future construction projects.
As we eagerly anticipate the final phases of the O’Hare Terminal 5 project in mid-2024, we invite you to envision the possibilities with RealWall. Whether your next project is a high-traffic airport or another demanding environment, STARC Systems is here to ensure your operations continue smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn how RealWall can address your construction containment needs.
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