A Strategic Project to Strengthen Bangkok's Role as a Regional Air Hub
Tipco Asphalt, Colas’ partner in Asia, actively contributed to the extension of Suvarnabhumi International Airport, a major hub for air traffic in Southeast Asia. This major project saw the construction of the airport’s third runway, along with the associated taxiways. The work also included the installation of runway lighting and the corresponding air traffic control systems.
The objective: to increase the airport’s operational capacity in order to support the growth in passenger numbers and freight traffic, and to consolidate Bangkok’s strategic position as an international airport hub.
A First in Asia for Colas! 800,000 square meters of Ground Consolidated Using the Vacuum Method
This project marks a major milestone for Colas in Asia. In partnership with Colas Projects, teams from Thanomwongse (TWS) – a subsidiary of Tipco Asphalt Group – led the large-scale ground consolidation work using the vacuum method. A total of 800,000 square meters of clay soil were treated, requiring the use of over 8,000 km of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs).
The site represented the biggest vacuum consolidation project ever delivered by the Colas Group. Colas Projects contributed its expertise in design, methods, and geotechnical engineering, from the design phase through to completion.
Feedback: Work Already Carried Out on the Main Runway
This isn’t the first time the Group has contributed to this strategic airport. Back in 2017, the Tipco Asphalt Group carried out resurfacing work on the east runway and its taxiways. This 4-km-long, 60-meter-wide project mobilized two asphalt plants, with a daily production capacity of up to 1,600 metric tons of asphalt mixes.
Around one hundred employees were involved in the project, ensuring round-the-clock work. The surfacing solutions used – modified hot-mix asphalt mixes – had been specifically designed to withstand the heavy aircraft loads and severe climatic conditions, while meeting strict performance and sustainability criteria.
Colas, a Partner of Fast-Growing Airport Infrastructure
With this operation, Colas confirms its capacity to support complex and strategic airport projects on an international scale. Thanks to its innovative technical solutions and recognized expertise, the Group is reinforcing its presence in Asia and its contribution to the development of sustainable air transport.
