A Terminal Condition - ACIP Pile Support of the KCI Airport-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The presentation describes the foundation design and construction strategy for the new Kansas City International Airport terminal. Berkel evaluated auger pressure-grouted (APG) piles ranging from 12 to 24 inches in diameter, selecting pile sizes and lengths to suit the widely varying demands at approximately 790 columns. Column loads included compression up to 2,000 kips, tension up to 880 kips, lateral load up to 845 kips, and base moments up to 2,800 k-ft.<br /><br />Rather than apply a uniform foundation design, the team compared pile-diameter combinations at each column location, including pile-cap concrete costs, to balance cost and schedule. The proposed approach divided the site into zones, using localized soil models verified by performance tests. Although additional testing was estimated to cost $300,000, it was projected to reduce production pile costs by $900,000 (about 10%) and accelerate construction.<br /><br />The extensive load-test program included compression and lateral tests in different areas. About 25% of testing was completed before production; the remainder proceeded as work areas became available. Production overlapped with testing, while final column loads and pile lengths were provided incrementally.<br /><br />Automated monitoring recorded installation time, depth, rotation, grout flow, and pressure for each pile. These data, combined with load-test results, supported design verification and adjustments to lateral pile-group analyses and reinforcing.<br /><br />A key production challenge was tailoring each pile closely to its location, leaving little tolerance for site issues or early termination. Regular coordination among field staff, Berkel engineers, and other project engineers helped provide timely approvals and corrective actions.

Keywords

Kansas City International Airport

foundation design

construction strategy

auger pressure-grouted piles

APG piles

pile load testing

pile diameter

soil models

production monitoring

pile group analysis