Indianapolis International Airport

Project Team

Structural Engineer: Fink, Roberts and Petrie, Inc.
Owner: Indianapolis Airport Authority
Architect: Aerodesign Group
General Contractor: Hunt/Smoot Construction Managers A Joint Venture
Steel Joist Manufacturer: Canam Steel Corporation
Steel Detailer: Mountain Enterprises, Sharpsburg, MD (roof framing)
Steel Fabricator: Cives Corporation (Terminal) and Hillsdale Fabricators (Concourses)
Steel Erector: Ben Hur (Terminal) FA Wilhelm (Concourses)

Project Type: Non-Industrial

Project Description

Indianapolis International Airport New Terminal and Concourses The objectives for the new airport at Indianapolis, known as the “Crossroads of America” included a modern, efficient gateway uniquely representative of the history and future of Indiana. An aerodynamic building of structural steel shaped to work with the wind and the sun was the result.

What Makes This Project Interesting

The roof is uniquely shaped roof consisting of a saddle shaped double curve in one direction and a single curve in the other direction with two way exposed steel trusses supporting a grid of fifty six foot long curved joists that make up the secondary framing. The joist system serves several functions in addition to carrying the vertical gravity loads. They were designed to laterally brace the top chords of the primary trusses and the bridging system was designed to torsionally brace the perimeter girder of the roof.

Advantages Of The Chosen Structural System

The joist framing was selected as the most economical means to frame the long spans between the primary trusses. The overall tonnage was significantly less than if wide flange purlins were used. 

Project Scope

The scope of this project included the terminal, concourses, and entry canopy for the New Indianapolis Airport. See “What makes the project interesting?” for a description of the various structural functions served by the joists.

Project Details

Project Construction Cost: Approximately $330,000,000
Joist cost, including fabrication and erection: $12,500,000
Size (square ft.): 1,200,000 
Roof area using joists (square ft.): 450,000
Joist area (square ft.): 450,000
Joist engineering to delivery (# days): 196 days
Joist erection (# days): 15 months for both terminal and concourses

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