Executive Aircraft Terminal Facility

GEI provided geotechnical engineering services for construction of a new executive aircraft terminal and related facilities at San Francisco International Airport.

Soil conditions consisted of fill overlying thick, soft, compressible Bay Mud which is up to 60 feet thick in some locations. These soils settle under additional loads, causing large downdrag forces on piles. GEI worked closely with the structural engineer, and developed options that included the use of lightweight compensating fill and grade beams in lieu of deep pile foundations for the smaller buildings.

An indicator pile test was conducted to evaluate design pile lengths for the other buildings. Sixteen piles ranging up to 135 ft long were driven and monitored with a pile driving analyzer system. GEI reviewed the data, and developed recommended pile design tip elevations., for the pile supported buildings.