Airport cable chamber systems for Stansted Airport power diversion works
STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect | Ductile iron covers |
Project overview
New taxiways, aircraft stands and holding areas at Stansted Airport required the diversion of vital power infrastructure below ground.
These works represented a large-scale airport infrastructure project with a clear technical requirement:
a) Deliver practical, accessible cable infrastructure for the next phase of Stansted Airport’s development
b) Meet the load capacity requirements of a large, heavily trafficked airport environment
At Cubis Systems, our airport cable chamber systems are proven in this field. So, with Cubis engineers working alongside the airport project team, it was our STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect chambers and D400 ductile covers that made it into the specification.
Designed for installation in a heavily trafficked area, the solution provided the full access required to bend and pull power cables as part of the diversion works.
📸 Pictured: Stansted Airport power diversion works project - products on-site
The challenge
Beneath the planned new taxiways, aircraft stands and holding areas, the power diversion works demanded more than a standard access point.
Large-format chambers had to be installed in a heavily trafficked area, with a full cover opening required to give teams sufficient access for bending and pulling power cables.
Key requirements included:
- Supporting power diversion for new taxiways, aircraft stands and aircraft holding areas
- Installing large cable chambers in a heavily trafficked location
- Providing full access for cable bending and pulling
- Creating secure, accessible points within the below-ground electrical infrastructure
- Selecting an integrated chamber and cover arrangement suited to the application
The imperative was to provide the space and access needed for cable installation, while supporting infrastructure works in a high-traffic airport setting.
📸 Pictured: Our STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect system installed in the trench on-site
📸 Pictured: Project pictures - airport cable chamber systems
The solution
Cubis Systems supported the project through:
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Large-format STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect chambers
Supplied in 1800 x 1800 chamber dimensions, providing an access point for the power diversion infrastructure associated with the airport development works. -
Full cover access for cable installation
The specified cover arrangement enabled access for cable bending and pulling, directly addressing a core project requirement. -
D400 strength
D400 ductile iron covers were specified as part of the complete chamber solution for the heavily trafficked installation area. -
An integrated system specification
We worked closely with the project stakeholders during specification discussions to provide a best-fit, efficient chamber and cover solution suited to their needs.
📸 Pictured: Duct entries for cables easily drilled on-site
“On complex infrastructure projects, the most valuable conversations happen early. By working with the design team during the specification stage, we could focus on the practical requirements of the installation and help identify a chamber and cover configuration suited to the application."
The outcome
The value of this work sits above ground: it supports the next phase of development at Stansted Airport.
By diverting the power infrastructure serving the area, the project formed part of the enabling works for new taxiways, aircraft stands and aircraft holding areas. The Cubis solution was just one element within a much larger programme - helping put the essential infrastructure in place before the airport’s new facilities could take shape.
For Cubis, the project shows the role that considered below-ground design support can play on major transport schemes.
Chamber and cover decisions may be made beneath the surface, but they are integral to the infrastructure that allows complex developments to move forward.
📸 Pictured: Our ductile iron access cover installed atop the chamber
Planning an airport infrastructure project?
Cubis Systems supplies chamber and access-cover solutions for below-ground cable infrastructure across transport and infrastructure projects.
Whether the requirement is for cable pulling access, power-diversion works or large-format chamber installations in high-traffic environments, our team can support the selection of an appropriate solution for the application. Get in touch with the team today.
FAQ
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How can Cubis support airport infrastructure projects at the design stage?
Airport schemes often bring together large chamber openings, varied loading requirements, cable access needs and long-term maintenance considerations. Cubis works with designers and contractors during specification to help develop an appropriate chamber and cover arrangement for the application.
Support can include structural calculations, bespoke drawings and specifications, detailed take-offs, BIM resources, installation advice and design optimisation.
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What should be considered when selecting access covers for airport projects?
Access cover selection should consider more than the required load class. Project teams also need to establish the chamber opening size, the location and traffic conditions, how frequently the asset will need to be accessed, the available lifting method, and any requirements for security or maintenance access.
At Stansted Airport, the requirement for full access to the chamber was a key part of the specification, allowing the installation team to bend and pull power cables into position.
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What access cover options can Cubis provide for airport infrastructure?
Cubis offers a range of access cover options to suit different chamber configurations, loading requirements and access needs.
For example, D400 ductile covers were specified for the Stansted Airport scheme. Where manual handling is a particular consideration, Cubis also offers D400 composite covers: a lightweight, modular solution that delivers D400 loading performance with individual covers weighing 24 kg.
For larger openings or more demanding applications, bespoke concrete cover slabs are available in D400, E600 and F900 options
