The Structural Engineering Society of Arizona (SEAoA) has awarded Gannett Fleming the 2017 Excellence in Structural Engineering Award for its work on phase one of the modernization of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Terminal 3. Gannett Fleming provided concept programming and design, construction management, concept as-built investigation, and construction administration services.
As part of the HuntAustin joint venture with DWL Architects, Gannett Fleming serves as the key structural engineer on the design-build project for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department. The first phase of the Terminal 3 Modernization project was completed early and under budget.
“About 120,000 passengers fly through Phoenix Sky Harbor every day, and we’ve enhanced their travel experience. That’s what our work is ultimately about: improving quality of life,” said Gannett Fleming’s Executive Vice President and West Region Director John Derr. “Gannett Fleming is proud to be the structural engineer on the design-build team to modernize Terminal 3.”
The team transformed the concrete building by removing bulky 1970s-style precast window frames and replacing them with modern window wall glazing, providing stunning views of the surrounding area. The terminal building was expanded westward by 75 feet in order to gain much-needed floor space. A vaulted space with a full-height atrium window wall was created by removing nearly 56,600 square feet of the second, third, and fourth floors, allowing natural light to flow through and creating a unique place for passengers to gather and explore the views of the airfield and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
Additionally, select precast roof sections were removed to make room for skylights that provide natural lighting to the building’s interior. The new addition attaches to the existing building at each floor as well as at the roof on the adjoining grid line and is dependent on it for lateral and vertical support.
The structural alterations were substantial, ranging from adding weight or removing gravity members, to modifying portions of the floor and roof diaphragms and lateral force-resisting frame elements. Gannett Fleming performed an engineering evaluation and analysis to establish that the building was structurally adequate and compliant in order to meet the International Existing Building Code’s “Level 3” requirements.
SEAoA is a trade association that represents the interests of structural engineers in the state of Arizona and encourages practice in accordance with the highest ethical and professional standards. The award, which was given in the “Other Structures” category, was presented at the 51st Anniversary SEAoA Convention and Conference on June 2 in Tucson, Ariz.
