Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified pavement engineering consultant to perform pavement condition and structural assessments across all nine airports managed by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). The assessments aim to determine the pavement bearing strength using the ICAO-recommended ACR-PCR methodology, ensuring compliance with international aviation standards and South African regulations. The results will support the publication of pavement strength data in the AIP, inform maintenance and rehabilitation planning, and ensure the structural integrity of airside pavements to support current and future aircraft traffic.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Conducting detailed pavement condition surveys at all nine airports, including development of geo-referenced condition indices.
• Performing structural integrity testing and laboratory investigations to assess pavement layer strength and performance characteristics.
• Carrying out comprehensive pavement classification analysis, including calculations of PCN and PCR values aligned with ICAO and SACAA requirements.
• Executing assessments in phased approach:
  • Phase 1: International airports (ORTIA, CTIA, KSIA, CDSIA)
  • Phase 2: Regional airports (BFIA, UIA)
  • Phase 3: Consolidated reporting and APMS integration
  • Phase 4: Project close-out
• Supporting ACSA in meeting regulatory deadlines, including the SACAA regulation effective from 3 April 2024 and ICAO requirements by 28 November 2024.
• Integrating assessment data into the Airport Pavement Management System (APMS) for maintenance planning and decision-making.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Use of empirical tests to certify pavement layers are structurally sound for aircraft traffic.
• Execution of geo-referenced pavement condition surveys suitable for APMS integration.
• Structural testing to determine pavement layer strength and performance characteristics, complying with SACAA and ICAO standards.
• Complete pavement classification analysis, including calculations of PCN and PCR values, following phased assessment approach.
• Timely delivery of structural and PCR outputs within regulatory deadlines.
• Provision of comprehensive reports and data suitable for publication and pavement management.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in managing similar pavement strength determination projects, particularly using the PCN and PCR methodologies.
• Capability to develop and implement pavement condition indices and geo-referenced data collection.
• Expertise in conducting structural testing and laboratory investigations aligned with SACAA and ICAO standards.
• Qualified personnel, including:
• Lead Engineer: BTech/BSc in Civil Engineering, minimum 10 years’ experience in pavement deterioration modelling, with proof of registration with ECSA as a Professional Technologist or Professional Engineer.
• Resident Engineer: BTech/BSc Civil Engineering, minimum 5 years’ experience, with proof of registration with ECSA.
• Ability to perform phased assessments and deliver reports aligned with regulatory timelines.
• Experience in integrating assessment data into pavement management systems for operational decision-making.