When the expanded Louis Armstrong International Airport, which serves New Orleans, opens the new North Terminal in February 2019, PENETRON ADMIX will be a key part of the effort. PENETRON crystalline technology was applied to key parts of the foundation structures, which were completed February 2018.
"We are growing at a record pace," explains Mitch Landrieu, Mayor of New Orleans, where the airport is located. "In 2016, the growth of the Louis Armstrong International Airport exceeded our expectations yet again; we continue to hit the triggers for additional expansion."
AIR TRAFFIC BOOM FUELS EXPANSION
The latest expansion of the Louis Armstrong International Airport, begun in early 2016 by the New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB), added five gates to the new North Terminal. The approximately 820,000 square-foot terminal now features 35 gates, 2 new concourses, a 2,200-car parking garage, a central utility plant and a ground transportation hub. The $110 million construction project was carried out by a joint venture of Hunt Construction, Gibbs Construction, Boh Brothers and Metro Service Group.
The airport's forecast for 2019 is an estimated 6.23 million passengers boarding flights, which is 18% over the airport's initial forecast, made in 2013. Cheryl Teamer, Chair of the NOAB added, "A five gate expansion is necessary to handle continued growth in Kenner."
HIGH WATER TABLE DEMANDS LOW PERMEABILITY
Located between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, any work done on the construction site would first demand a solution for the site’s high-water table. A membrane/surface applied coating was initially specified for the project when construction began in January 2016, but soon proved to be too complex and costly.
When placed in an environment where concrete is constantly exposed to moisture – and in the presence of aggressive chemicals, such as chlorides found in saltwater – the durability of the matrix can only be ensured with a solution that reduces permeability. As a true “permeability-reducing concrete admixture” (PRAH), as defined by tests carried out by the American Concrete Institute (ACI), PENETRON ADMIX provides comprehensive protection against concrete deterioration caused by chemical attack, freeze-thaw cycles, and corrosion, even while withstanding high hydrostatic pressure.
INCREASING CONCRETE DURABILITY
Ultimately, PENETRON ADMIX was chosen as a waterproofing solution for the North Terminal project. Landrieu Concrete & Cement Industries supplied over 500 cubic yards (380 m3) of concrete treated with PENETRON ADMIX for the below grade elevator pits and footings in the airport’s new North Terminal. Added during batching, PENETRON ADMIX can significantly increase concrete durability and service life.
“With its modern and open architectural design, the new, enlarged airport terminal is a crucial economic driver for the entire New Orleans metropolitan region,” says Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. “PENETRON is proud to be part of this project.”
Low permeability needed: When construction began, the site’s high water table demanded PENETRON crystalline technology, as the membrane solution turned out to be too costly and complex to install.
Louis Armstrong Airport expands: Located between a river and a lake, the dazzling new North Terminal is built to last – on an impermeable concrete foundation using PENETRON crystalline technology.
