{"id":5086,"date":"2025-03-25T16:48:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T17:48:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/?p=5086"},"modified":"2025-03-27T15:53:35","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T15:53:35","slug":"expanding-concourse-d-at-hartsfield-jackson-atlanta-international-airport-a-blend-of-modular-and-traditional-construction-leads-to-an-ambitious-renovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/2025\/03\/25\/expanding-concourse-d-at-hartsfield-jackson-atlanta-international-airport-a-blend-of-modular-and-traditional-construction-leads-to-an-ambitious-renovation\/","title":{"rendered":"Expanding Concourse D at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: A blend of modular and traditional construction leads to an ambitious renovation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The long-awaited expansion of Concourse D at Atlanta\u2019s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is a combination of modular and traditional construction.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, renowned as the world\u2019s busiest airport, embarked on a transformative journey in 2024 with the long-awaited expansion of Concourse D. The ambitious $1.4 billion project represents a pivotal moment in aviation infrastructure, combining innovative construction methods with strategic planning to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.<\/p>\n

WSP, a prominent engineering, environment and professional services consultancy, along with its joint-venture partners H.J. Russel and Turner & Townsend, leads the project-management team assembled by the City of Atlanta to deliver this ambitious project. In addition to the Concourse D expansion, WSP and its partners also provide program and project-management services for the airport\u2019s $11.6 billion ATLNext program, a complex set of improvements designed to enhance the passenger experience, increase service capacity and optimize airport operations.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Originally built more than four decades ago for small regional aircraft, the concourse is undergoing significant improvements, increasing its footprint from 60 to 99 feet and extending its length by 288 feet. The expansion will accommodate larger aircraft and enhance passenger amenities, addressing the growing demands of one of the world\u2019s busiest air hubs.<\/p>\n

A Modular Approach<\/strong><\/p>\n

Central to the project\u2019s success is its innovative approach to construction. The use of modular construction techniques alongside traditional methods allows for minimal disruption to airport operations. Prefabricated modules, constructed offsite at a remote location within the airport grounds, are transported during designated nighttime windows to minimize impact on daily airport activities. This methodical approach ensures that as many gates as possible remain operational throughout the construction phases.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe saw a real efficiency in building the modules on a remote site at the airport, while, at the same time, working on the needed foundation and utility relocation works at the concourse,\u201d explains Edmund Ramos, vice president of project management at WSP and deputy Concourse D project director.<\/p>\n

The project commenced with design activities in April 2022. Structural framing solutions were evaluated during a six-month validation phase, along with site utilities, building systems, passenger boarding bridges and other elements related to the building expansion. In addition, members of the project team visited the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, which recently completed a modular construction project, to glean lessons learned and best practices.<\/p>\n

After a detailed pre-construction review that considered cost and scheduling information relative to constructability and phasing, the team selected a moment frame structural system commonly used to resist lateral forces, such as those caused by wind, while allowing for flexibility and open spaces. Beams and columns are rigidly connected at their joints, creating a framework capable of transferring bending moments between the members. Unlike shear walls or braced frames, which require solid panels or diagonal bracing, moment frames allow for larger, uninterrupted openings, making them ideal for areas with large windows such as an airport concourse.<\/p>\n

Timeline and Progress<\/strong><\/p>\n

Modular construction began in earnest in January 2024, marking a significant step toward revitalizing Concourse D\u2019s infrastructure.<\/p>\n

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The project will align the size of Concourse D with the other concourses, increasing boarding-level square footage by 75 percent. (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Each prefabricated module, carefully engineered and transported across the airfield, contributes to the phased expansion strategy. This approach not only accelerates the construction timeline but also adheres to strict operational mandates from the airport and airlines, ensuring minimal revenue impact during the transformation.<\/p>\n

A module placed ahead of an April 26, 2024, groundbreaking ceremony was the first of 19 scheduled to be set in place as part of the project\u2019s multiphased construction schedule. Modules were moved to the concourse within a three-hour window between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on the same day each week, using the following process each time:<\/p>\n

\u2022 The module is lifted by self-propelled modular transporters at the modular yard.<\/p>\n

\u2022 The owner\u2019s airside operations team coordinates with the tower to get the green light to start moving.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Once started, the journey of just more than a mile to Concourse D takes about 45 minutes to complete, and the module crosses two runways in the process. Watch a video of the module move at\u00a0bit.ly\/418T1JV<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This is the first time the airport has used this type of modular design and construction, which results in a tremendous cost savings, shaving several years off construction. Functioning as building blocks, the 700-ton steel modules are attached to the existing concourse, and later the project will demolish and rebuild parts of the existing structure and complete its modern interior. The project is slated for completion in summer 2029.<\/p>\n

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The project team selected a moment frame structural framing solution that resists lateral forces while allowing for flexibility and open spaces. (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cNo one else has done what we are doing\u2014a project of this scale combining modular and typical stick-build construction while keeping a concourse operational,\u201d relates Chris Rogers, senior vice president of aviation engineering at WSP and program manager for the ATLNext Capital Improvement Program.\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s a total team effort.\u201d<\/p>\n

The first phase of the project concluded on schedule, with six gates reopening by the Sept. 5, 2024, deadline. In about three months, Atlanta\u2019s Department of Aviation added approximately 21,000 square feet of boarding-level space to Concourse D. Approximately 200 tradespeople worked daily to complete the project, and each of the six gates can accommodate up to 190 passengers per flight. Final finishes and ceiling work will be completed in subsequent phases.<\/p>\n

Phase 2 has already begun, focusing on constructing five additional modules at the modular yard. These modules will be transported to Concourse D in January 2025, with Phase 2 slated for completion by the end of 2025.<\/p>\n

Community Impact and Collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n

Beyond its technical achievements, the Concourse D expansion exemplifies a collaborative effort between public and private entities. Supported in part by a $40 million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the project underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing critical infrastructure projects and sets a global standard for innovation in airport infrastructure.<\/p>\n

In addressing the crowd gathered for the April 26 event, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, \u201cFor a long time, we were lamenting the condition of America\u2019s airports. Now, we have the best and most innovative style of construction to deliver world-class terminals to the busiest airport in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Each module is lifted by self-propelled modular transporters at the modular yard and travels just more than a mile to Concourse D. (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Upon completion, Concourse D will boast 34 state-of-the-art gates designed to accommodate Group III aircraft, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger throughput. The expanded concourse will feature increased seating capacity, expanded food and beverage options, and upgraded restroom facilities, elevating the overall passenger experience at the airport.<\/p>\n

As the expansion of Concourse D progresses, it serves as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the aviation industry. By leveraging advanced construction techniques and strategic planning, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is poised to redefine airport infrastructure standards worldwide. The transformative project underscores Atlanta\u2019s commitment to sustainable growth and exceptional passenger service in the years to come.<\/p>\n

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About John Hughes<\/a><\/h3>\n

John R. Hughes is a freelance writer specializing in issues related to urban planning and sustainable development. He can be reached at jrhughes@springsips.com.<\/p>\n

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