Clark/McCarthy, A Joint Venture, recently finished the $575-million, LEED-silver-certified Tom Bradley International Terminal Improvements and Baggage Screening Systems Project at Los Angeles International Airport.

Over two-and-a-half years, the Clark/McCarthy team completed 1 million sq ft of renovation work and upgrades. The project team replaced TBIT�s outdated baggage handling system with an in-line system, completely overhauled its existing mechanical, electrical, plumbing and information technology systems, and built a new gate to accommodate the 800-passenger Airbus A380 aircraft.

All construction occurred without impeding operations at LAX. Tom Bradley International Terminal remained opened through the project and the project team maintained a safe environment as more than 10 million passengers boarded or deplaned 43,000 flights each year. Maintaining TBIT�s continued and safe operations during construction is a primary reason the project earned the Associated General Contractors of California Constructor Award in the �Meeting the Challenge of a Difficult Job � Builder Classification� category.

Though not required under the project�s contract, Clark/McCarthy jointed the owner, Los Angeles World Airports, the architect, Leo A Daly, and the construction manager, Parsons, in a formal Partnering Program. This program, which was expanded to include all stakeholders, was instrumental in forming the productive work environment that helped the project overcome major obstacles.

The Tom Bradley International Terminal Improvements and Baggage Screening Systems Project @ LAX was completed despite minimal accurate as-built documents. Undocumented conduit systems and duct banks were uncovered during separate renovation phases, but these discoveries did not delay the project�s schedule. In both instances, the project team was able to discover, isolate, identify, and troubleshoot these undocumented issues.

Though original design plans did not account for sustainability, the TBIT project earned LEED silver certification in March. Clark/McCarthy worked with the owner and project partners to incorporate green elements including low-emitting, recycled, and regional building materials. The terminal�s new mechanical and electrical systems perform more than 17.5% more efficiently than the old systems. The TBIT project is the first airport terminal renovation in the country to earn LEED certification.

Major subcontractors on the project include Bragg Crane & Rigging, ISEC Inc., Key Air, Murray Co., Nuprecon, Sasco, Siemens Airport Logistics and Standard Drywall.