SRQ Leverages STARC for Escalator Overhaul
The escalator renovation project at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) presented a unique challenge: to effectively manage construction noise, dust, and debris without disrupting ongoing airport operations or compromising security and aesthetic standards. This case study delves into how SRQ successfully navigated these challenges by employing STARC Systems’ temporary reusable construction walls, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness in a high-traffic airport environment.
The Challenge: Stepping Up SRQ’s Escalator Game
With some 3.7 million passengers moving through its two-level terminal, airport officials opted to replace one existing escalator with two.
It’s a unique job because the atrium walls are 30 feet tall, which meant Modular Wall Solutions, a division of BVB Construction and a subcontractor for GC DeAngelis Diamond, would have to encase the existing escalator and then enclose the space beyond the 14-foot mark to accommodate the 30-foot atrium height.
With flights arriving almost every hour, the challenge was to contain construction noise, dust, and debris in a way that would ensure uninterrupted operations, allow for security measures, and maintain a clean, professional appearance.
The Solution: STARC Systems to the Rescue
To make its case, Modular Wall Solutions leveraged the engineering team at STARC Systems. An engineer from STARC visited the site to review the project and quickly developed a plan to overcome its unique challenges. The layout plan and drawings helped the general contractor better understand the complexities of the project, as well as the advantages to be gained from leveraging STARC’s lift-and-drop panel connection system to speed installation and reduce labor dependency.
The Modular Approach to Complex Problems
Initially, the general contractor wanted to use drywall for temporary containment, but due to the complex nature of the project, Modular Wall Solutions advised against it.
“We were looking at a two-and-a-half story atrium that required us to keep the stairs active while blocking off the escalator to allow for installation of the new escalator,” said Tucker Foster, Co-Founder of Modular Wall Solutions. “The first phase would require three different partial takedowns, with another three takedowns required during the next phase. It was pretty clear to us that a modular wall system would be the best way to move forward.”
Innovative Installation: LiteBarrier and RealWall
The plan called for using STARC’s LiteBarrier™ panels over the airport’s existing tall wall, with RealWall solving for the job’s noise reduction and security requirements, as well as the need for an aesthetically pleasing, professional appearance. The team also used several of STARC’s double doors, which easily accommodate large equipment.
Equally important, RealWall and LiteBarrier enabled fast-and-easy installation, which allowed Modular Wall Solutions to blast through the project quickly and efficiently.
“The first time, we went in at 10:00 PM and ended up waiting on-site until 5:00 AM—and we were still up and done by 7:00 AM,” said Managing Member Bill Bocchino. “STARC’s temporary wall systems are great at containing active construction areas and reducing jobsite noise. Even walking right past the double doors, passengers had no idea someone was cutting through structural slab on the other side.”
Efficiency in Execution
The combination of RealWall, double doors, and LiteBarrier proved a highly effective strategy for managing temporary containment during the escalator project at SRQ, and Modular Wall Solutions plans to reuse STARC’s temporary wall system many more times as the multi-phase project advances toward its July 2024 conclusion.
STARC’s Role in Streamlining Airport Projects
When asked if there was a key takeaway from the escalator project, Bocchino said he wished more contractors were aware that, for important and highly visible projects like SRQ, there are quality solutions available that will let them manage a variety of challenges quickly and easily—even in situations that require working during odd hours or accommodating heavy pedestrian traffic.
“This is the Swiss Army knife of temp containment solutions,” Foster added. “There’s always some application for STARC somewhere on this project. It’s a high-standard product that enables a high level of use. And it’s not a hard sell at all; once people see it, they get it.”
STARC’s temporary wall systems are great at containing active construction areas and reducing jobsite noise. Even walking right past the double doors, passengers had no idea someone was cutting through structural slab on the other side.
– Bill Bocchino, Managing Member, Modular Wall Solutions
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of airport renovations, STARC’s temporary reusable construction walls stand out as a beacon of innovation, merging durability with design to keep operations smooth and travelers moving. 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 we can address your construction containment needs.
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