Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the busiest airports in the United States, has recently completed a major expansion of its Concourse B East and Concourse C East. The project added a combined 656,000 square feet to the airport’s capacity, enhancing its ability to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. The expansion was part of a broader $3.8 billion Gate Expansion Program aimed at improving operational efficiency and passenger experience.
Steel Usage and Design
Steel played a pivotal role in the construction of these expanded concourses. The structures are built on drilled pier foundations with structural steel superstructures, featuring a mix of metal panel spandrel framing above and below the curtain wall. This extensive use of steel ensures the durability and flexibility of the concourses, allowing for future expansions and modifications as needed.
Salas O’Brien, the engineering firm involved, provided exterior engineering, panelisation design assistance, and coordination services. They also developed interior non-structural cold-formed steel (CFS) engineering and BIM services for the project. The design incorporated a CFS beam system with CFS angle struts, coordinating with the restrictive cladding system’s clip and spacing requirements. This approach allowed for flexibility in anchorage locations and facilitated easy adjustments during construction.
Awards and Recognition
The Denver International Airport Concourse B East and C East Expansions received the 2024 CFSEI Design Excellence Award—Honorable Mention, recognizing the innovative use of cold-formed steel and the integration of structural steel elements into the design.
Sustainability and Efficiency
The expanded concourses are designed to be energy-efficient, using approximately 30 per cent less energy than typical airport concourses. This focus on sustainability contributes to reducing the airport’s environmental footprint while enhancing operational efficiency.
