Construction is nearing completion at Cape Town International Airport.
The final phase in the construction of the new R1,2-billion integrated terminal and R350-million new multi-storey parkade at Cape Town International Airport is underway, and joint venture contractors Grinaker-LTA and Stefanutti Stocks say it’s on track for completion next month (April).
The construction of the striking new terminal was phased, to provide for the continual operation of the airport.
“The completion and handing over of a project of this magnitude on time takes a major commitment from everyone involved,” says Johan Brink, representative of the joint venture. “Everyone working on the final touches and clean up of the building - from the clients and their consultants to the labour on site - has been totally dedicated to ensuring a problem free opening. This has included working day and night when necessary.”
The first phase of the new terminal was completed in November 2009 and the main terminal building was handed over to ACSA (Airports Company South Africa) on November 6. Before the handover of the terminal a number of “dry runs” were carried out to ensure that all systems where in place and ready to function when the first passengers came through to board their flights.
In addition to the new terminal buildings, a new multi-storey parkade has also been constructed at Cape Town International by the Grinaker-LTA Stefanutti Stocks Joint Venture. This facility provides parking for 4 500 vehicles, which is almost double the parking available in the original multi-storey parkade. Most of the parking facility is now operational, Brink says.
The construction of the vast 74 500m2 new integrated terminal provided the joint venture contractors with its fair share of challenges. The decanting of various facilities where the new building was to be built without affecting the ongoing operations of the airport was a challenge for the joint venture and ACSA.
Subsequent challenges included working close to the public in an operational airport, the substantial growth in the scope of the contract as it progressed, the skills shortage, and the sheer scale of this undertaking within the limited time frame.
Almost all underground services in the entire facility - the full length of the existing airport terminals numbers one to five on the land and air-side - had to be upgraded and relocated to make space for the new departure terminal.
The new building comprises piled foundations and a concrete framed structure ranging in height from three to five floors. Slabs are mainly post-tensioned, coffered and troughed, with about 12 000m2 of slabs at high levels – exceeding eight metres.
The 22 42Om2 structural steel roof weighs 1 360 tons, and 32 000m3 of concrete has been used during construction as well as 3 000 tons of steel and more than 800 tons of formwork.
The new integrated terminal will offer an additional eight new passenger loading bridges and a new, elevated roadway along the front facade. External civil works for the project comprised the elevated road for access to check-in on the second floor, 30 384m2 of premix roads and 32 000m2 of brick paved areas.
The modern integrated control systems are designed to meet ACSA’s main objectives of passenger safety and convenience.
“These systems were custom designed and manage all the services provided, from air traffic control and flight monitoring to the new automated baggage handling system,” Brink says.
Safety has been a priority throughout the contract, and the site team has maintained an impressive safety record. Achievements included winning first place in the Master Builders’ Association’s Regional Safety Competition for two consecutive years in its category. The site has also received accolades for the quality of the work produced, and in particular for the off-shutter concrete. The elevated roadway with its Y-shaped columns, is particularly impressive, Brink says.
Job creation and training were key elements of the project, and at its peak 1 150 people were employed on site. Training in various construction disciplines was provided throughout the project, and specialist subcontractors came from as far afield as the Netherlands and England. Various ACSA staff had to be trained to manage and operate the sophisticated new electronic monitoring security controls and run the new terminal.
“Cape Town International is now a world class international airport. Passengers will be able to enjoy the long-awaited indoor arrivals, and will be able to stay dry when it rains from the time they arrive until their departure. We look forward to putting the finishing touches to the new integrated terminal, and having it ready to welcome 2010 World Cup visitors later this year,” Brink says.