Airport’s original terminal building demolition underway

The demolition of the original terminal facility at San Antonio International Airport is currently underway. The abatement process and interior demolition have been ongoing since January 2011. Earlier this month, demolition began on the exterior of the building from the Aircraft Operations Area (AOA) side of the facility. However, in recent weeks the process has become apparent to guests and passengers as demolition of the facility is now visible from the airport’s roadway system and Terminal B facility.

The Terminal 2 building is in close proximity to the newly completed Terminal B building; therefore, the demolition has been handled manually in lieu of other more extreme methods. Preventive measures have been taken to protect the new Terminal B structure from damage during demolition, as well as prevent foreign debris from entering the AOA.

With the demolition of the old Terminal 2 facility, this makes way for future development of a third terminal, Terminal C, which is roughly scheduled to begin the design and build process in the next decade, or to meet the needs of passenger growth and demand. In the immediate future, the demolition allows the airport to open the remaining two gates of Terminal B, scheduled for 2012.

Texas-based SpawGlass is the general contractor on this project. SpawGlass is a general contractor, construction manager, design/builder and civil contractor – with expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and green building, serving clients in corporate, higher education, healthcare, government/public, senior/campus living and more. Founded in 1953 by Louis Spaw and Frank Glass, the company has a lasting commitment to provide: the highest standards of quality and service to clients; a safe and enriching work environment to employees; and support and involvement in the community. With more than 550 employees statewide, SpawGlass is 100 percent employee owned.

Project Scope of Work:

Terminal 2 hazardous material abatement and demolition of remaining structure

Fill original Terminal 2 “footprint” with new cement-stabilized base and temporary concrete or asphalt apron paving, in anticipation of the future construction of the planned Terminal C project

Installation of Gate B1 jet bridge pier

Removal of old apron striping and provision of new aircraft directional arrows, roadway traffic lines and other airport apron markers

Current construction schedule allots 400 calendar days for SpawGlass to achieve Substantial Completion in February 2012

Abatement & Demolition Process:

The abatement process is complete and broken down into nine, onsite containment areas for various materials. All identified asbestos containing materials are being removed from the site and properly disposed of per regulations.

The Terminal 2 interior was stripped down to the basic structure to prevent and minimize loose construction debris from blowing around and creating a hazard in the aircraft operations area during demolition.

The Terminal 2 building is in close proximity to the newly completed Terminal B building; therefore, the demolition will be handled manually in lieu of other more extreme methods. Preventive measures will be taken to protect the new Terminal B structure from damage during demolition.

Once partial Terminal 2 demolition is complete, the replacement apron paving foundation and apron paving will begin.

Environmental Considerations:

The demolition subcontractor has been sorting the debris onsite and recycling a tremendous amount of material. Through this effort, Terminal 2 will live on as its construction materials are reused on another product or project.