Airport construction is a constant, necessary process that accommodates the growing demands of air travel, and although this is a good problem to have, one of the best ways to resolve it is by renovating existing airports.
However, airport construction activities need to coexist with the everyday airport activities and operations which is why the effective use of Airport construction barricades has become significantly more important.
Want to learn about the different types of barricades that are used during construction—and which ones are the most cost-effective?
We’ll tell you below.
The Role of Barricades Types in Airport Construction
Renovating an airport helps while maintaining its operations is a challenging task—one that requires a lot of planning. But airport construction barricades play a huge role in the process. Here’s how:
Ensuring Safety
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, whether it be because of dust, debris, or heavy machinery.
Barricades help protect passengers, staff, and construction workers by clearly designating safe zones and construction areas, and they also provide soundproofing where needed.
Maintaining Security
Airports operate under strict security protocols, and any disruption, such as ongoing construction, can cause problems. Barricades help maintain security by restricting access to construction areas, which also ensures that only authorized personnel can enter.
Managing Traffic Flow
Even during renovations, airports must continue to manage passenger and aircraft traffic smoothly. By directing movement and preventing congestion, barricades minimize disruptions to operations.
Enhancing Efficiency
Efficiency is another factor that is heavily improved with barriers. They can be used as visual guides to help passengers and staff navigate temporary changes in the airport layout.
11 Barricade Types for Airport Construction
Because there are several types of barricades for airport construction available, we are going to highlight the 11 best options. Here they are:
1. Caution Tape
The most basic form of a barricade, caution tape, serves primarily as a visual deterrent. While it offers no physical barrier, it effectively signals to passengers and staff to avoid specific areas.
2. Jersey Barriers
Jersey barriers are more robust than caution tape, especially for outdoor use. And they prevent unauthorized vehicle access so that they provide an ideal level of security of outside construction zones.
3. A-Frame Barricades
A-frame barricades provide a step up from caution tape and Jersey barriers. The reason? They offer a more tangible physical barrier. Although they don’t contain dust like some of the options we will mention in the future, they help prevent accidental entry into construction zones.
4. Portable Expandable Barricades
These barricades offer greater physical security and are easy to set up and reposition. However, like A-frame barricades, they don’t provide dust containment.
5. Roll-Up Barricades
Roll-up barricades are similar to expandable barricades but add the convenience of easy access. They serve as a physical barrier and reminder of small and simple construction zones.
6. Mesh Barrier Fencing
Mesh fencing functions as a lightweight, portable fence that offers more substantial physical separation than caution tape. It’s a great option to consider when there is not a large quantity of debris.
7. Steel Pedestrian Barricades
Often seen at events, steel pedestrian barricades provide significant, sturdy physical separation between airport construction and pedestrian traffic.
8. Portable Fence Panels
These panels are essentially movable chain-link fences. They offer strong physical barriers and begin to provide a measure of safety. However, They do not prevent dust from escaping the construction area.
9. Containment Enclosures
Containment enclosures consist of a frame covered in plastic sheeting. They effectively contain dust and debris and offer a moderate level of physical separation, though they aren’t the most visually appealing option.
10. Temporary Wall Systems
Temporary wall systems represent the pinnacle of airport construction barricades. These barriers provide robust physical security, dust containment, and soundproofing. Although traditional temporary walls, made of studs and drywall, are highly effective, they do require significant labor and resources to install and remove. This is why modular temporary wall systems are more effective, which we will talk about below.
The Advantages of Modern Temporary Wall Systems
Modern modular temporary wall systems offer all the benefits of traditional wall systems but have more flexibility and efficiency. These systems are not only quicker to install and dismantle but are also reusable, which help them reduce waste and save time. Plus, graphics can be used on the outside of them to provide directions during airport construction and improve aesthetic appeal. In fact, they can even be used for marketing purposes or store signage.
Swiftwall Barricade Types
Swiftwall® Pro is a leading solution in this category, providing a lightweight yet durable barrier that can be installed up to 5x faster than traditional walls. It features a Class C flame spread rating with optional upgrades, as well as a sound rating to significantly reduce construction noise. Additionally, Swiftwall® Pro can be reused over 20 times, which also makes it a sustainable choice for phased airport construction projects.
For scenarios requiring variable ceiling heights, the Swiftwall® Flex offers adjustable top panels that can easily adapt to different spaces.
For maximum durability, Swiftwall® Max is engineered for load-bearing applications, including wind and seismic challenges. Despite its strength, it still installs 3x faster than traditional systems and can be reused, further enhancing its value.
Choose the Best Airport Construction Barricades Types
Airport construction maintains and expands the business critical infrastructure, but choosing the right airport construction barricade can make all the difference in efficiency and safety.
Although we’ve provided a list of the best types of construction barricades above, if you want to truly find a safe and secure barricade, contact Swiftwall® today!You can also explore our temporary wall solutions online today.
