Best Airport/ Transit: North Satellite Modernization Project
The North Satellite Modernization Project (NSAT) renovated and greatly expanded an existing airport facility while increasing the number of aircraft gates to 20 from 12. Designed to celebrate the Pacific Northwest, the NSAT is highlighted by an 80-ft high “river” of light, known as the central core. Using a general contractor/ construction manager (GC/CM) delivery method, the project team relied on continuous collaboration to complete the job three months ahead of schedule while keeping the facility open for main tenant Alaska Airlines.
An example of a delivery improvement made by the team includes the relocation of an existing duct bank that powered the main electrical room for the entire terminal. Hensel Phelps examined the duct bank at 30% design completion and saw that it required rerouting to support the new basement area and structure. Through an integrated approach and extensive virtual modeling, the contractor suggested digging around and under the duct bank and then shoring it to support construction 15 ft below rather than engaging in a costly and time-consuming reroute. The solution enabled the completion of the mass excavation three months early. The schedule savings allowed Alaska Airlines to operate from active gates earlier and netted more than $1 million in savings.