Updates
February 2007 – Concrete or Steel?
For those who recall, during the construction of the new terminal five years ago, the ground floor was made of concrete, while all the other levels were built around a steel beam structure. The most observant will have noticed that, for the current construction, the ground floor and second level are concrete and only level 2 and 3 will be steel. In fact, the erecting of the steel structure has just begun.
The reason for this change in construction method is primarily a question of cost. A concrete structure is usually less expensive to put up than a steel structure. Also, since the new addition to the terminal has a relatively simple architecture, a concrete structure could be used. During Phase I, with its immense open areas, a concrete-only structure would have been impossible. Steel allows for longer beams and therefore longer spans, which concrete does not. Therefore, on the ground floor of the new addition, the vertical beams supporting the floor of the waiting areas are much closer together than those in the arrivals hall, for example. However, since these beams will not be visible, this technique could be used, thereby saving money.
Even though several days were lost in January due to the cold, it is thought that the major concrete work will be completed by late April. Following that, the steel structure will be erected, then the curtain wall and finally the interior finishes. The steel structure should be completely erected by late April or early May. The contractor is still confident about staying on schedule.