Runway stabilization and dust control of the Shell Bolivia (previously BG Bolivia) La Vertiente Airstrip
BG Group is a British multinational oil and gas company operating in 25 countries across Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America, and South America. Soil Solutions’ latest project was located at one of its gas plants in the northern part of Bolivia.
Soil Solutions was contacted by BG Bolivia to provide a method of runway stabilization and dust control for the La Vertiente runway. The existing problems included loose gravel, the loss of fine material, low visibility, dust conditions, and a slippery surface when wet. Such conditions did not allow for the use of the runway during and after rainfalls, which significantly limited the Vertiente plant operations.
As BG Group is committed to the continuous improvement of the safety of its employees (Value-Based Safety Strategy) Soil Solutions was selected to improve the quality and safety of the runway.
The Team at Vertiente followed the preparation instructions provided by Soil Solutions and had the runway graded and compacted with all loose material removed. Having correct preparation and two water tankers available the EBS Surface Seal application could be completed in 5 days.
Soil Solutions oversaw the application that resulted in a hard, water-resistant, corrosion-proof, dust-free surface that significantly enhanced safety standards. With this upgrade, La Vertiente airstrip has highly visible FOD and increased skid resistance even in wet conditions.
With the application of the EBS, BG Bolivia is significantly increasing safety and reducing its annual airstrip maintenance and operational costs, as well as environmental impact.
The original EBS Surface Seal was completed in May of 2015 and continues to provide for less required maintenance and the safe operation of jet engine aircraft.
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