Airports construction, ground and structural solutions

Specialized Construction Technologies for Airport Development 

Airports operate under strict safety, ground stability, and operational constraints, requiring construction methods that minimize disruption while ensuring long-term performance. VSL supports airport owners and contractors with engineered solutions – ranging from ground improvement and trenchless tunneling to bridge construction, heavy lifting, and high-performance pavements, that address complex soil conditions, congested sites, height limits, and demanding aircraft loads.

Specialized Construction Technologies for Airport Development 

Airports operate under strict safety, ground stability, and operational constraints, requiring construction methods that minimize disruption while ensuring long-term performance. VSL supports airport owners and contractors with engineered solutions – ranging from ground improvement and trenchless tunneling to bridge construction, heavy lifting, and high-performance pavements, that address complex soil conditions, congested sites, height limits, and demanding aircraft loads.

  • 70 years
    of airport engineering excellence

What we do: VSL’s airport developement capabilities 

VSL delivers integrated geotechnical and structural capabilities tailored to airside and landside environments, enabling safe and efficient construction in live airport zones.

Ground Engineering

Ground improvement, instrumentation, and accredited testing ensure the stability of reclaimed or compressible soils and support heavy aircraft and terminal loads while maintaining compliant settlement profiles.
Ground Engineering – Airports

Box Jacking for Airport Tunnels

Trenchless jacking methods allow tunnels to be installed beneath runways, taxiways, or rail links with minimal ground movement and no interruption to airport operations.
Tunnel Construction with Box Jacking – Airports

Bridge Construction in Airport Zones

Post-tensioned cast-in-place or precast bridge systems provide durable access structures for terminals, service roads, and intermodal connections, with accelerated erection adapted to airport constraints.
Bridge construction – Airports

Heavy Lifting for Airport Roof Structures

Strand jacks, skidding systems, and modular temporary works enable precision installation of oversized roof segments within strict height envelopes and over live infrastructure.
Heavy Lifting – Airports

Slab on Grade for Airport Aprons and Pavements

Post-tensioned slabs reduce joints, improve durability, and withstand heavy static and rolling aircraft loads while optimizing concrete volumes and long-term maintenance.
Slab on Grade for Airport Apron Parking – Airports

Post-tensioning for Airport Infrastructure

Post-tensioning for Airport Infrastructure Post-tensioning systems enable efficient construction of access viaducts, terminal slabs, and bridges by reducing structural depth, accelerating erection, and improving durability under repeated aircraft and service traffic loads.
Post-tensioning – Airports

Cable-Stayed Roof Structures

Cable-stayed roof systems provide long-span, column-free spaces for modern terminals, combining structural efficiency, architectural flexibility, and accelerated construction through prefabricated and monitored tensioning systems.
Cable-Stayed Structures – Airports

Why Choose VSL for airport development?

Airport projects require precise engineering, controlled execution, and the ability to work safely within highly regulated, operational environments. VSL brings integrated capabilities, specialized equipment, and proven experience across airside and landside works.

Teams operate under airside protocols, maintaining safety, security, and minimal disruption to traffic and flight activities.

Combining soil improvement, tunneling, PT systems, and heavy lifting ensures consistent engineering and streamlined execution.

Synchronized lifting systems, jacking controls, and monitoring tools support accurate works near active infrastructure.

Techniques such as precast segmental erection, trenchless tunneling, and PT slabs reduce closure windows and program durations.

VSL contributes from early geotechnical investigations to construction, monitoring, and rehabilitation, ensuring continuity of performance.

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FAQs about airport development

Here are some of the questions we’re asked most often about airport development. If you have more, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Yes. Trenchless methods such as box jacking allow safe tunnel installation while maintaining uninterrupted airport operations and controlling settlement.

Deep cement mixing, vibrocompaction, stone columns, grouting, and continuous monitoring are used to stabilize compressible soils and control long-term settlement.

Yes. PT Slab on Grade systems are engineered for high wheel loads and repeated aircraft movements, with reduced joints and improved durability.

Yes. Strand jacks and skidding systems allow precise installation of large roof modules without relying on tall cranes.

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Planning an airport developement project?

Contact VSL to discuss engineered solutions for tunnels, bridges, ground improvement, pavements, and lifting operations.